Somatosensory mu activity reflects imagined pain intensity of others

• DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12522
• Publication Date: 2015-09-07T07:46:44Z
• Authors: Matthias Hoenen; Katrin T. Lübke; Bettina M. Pause
• Keywords: Sensation

In accordance with simulation theories of empathy, the somatosensory cortex is involved in perception pain others. Cognitive processes, like perspective taking, can alter empathy-related activity within cortex. The current study investigates whether this modulation caused by imagined sensation or cognitive load a perspective-taking task. Applying within-subject design, participants (N = 30) watched pictures painful and nonpainful actions, while imagining reduced, normal, increased observed individual. Mu (8-13 Hz), which inversely correlated sensorimotor-cortex activity, was measured via EEG. To calculate mu (central electrodes) alpha (occipital electrodes), served as control for effects load, fast Fourier transform applied. suppression linearly from reduced to normal (p < .05), unaffected > .80). Suppression 8-13 Hz band at central occipital electrodes stronger response actions compared .01). These results indicate that through taking reflects intensity not induced