Firing on All Frequencies: The Role of Proactive Frontal Theta and Reactive Beta Oscillations in Response Inhibition

Abstract

Neural oscillations in the theta range (4-8Hz) and beta range (13-30Hz) have both been related to response inhibition. Proactive response inhibition may be manifested through pre-trial frontal theta power. Beta power has been related to reactive response inhibition, specifically ~700ms after a go-signal. The current study aims to replicate the findings that frontal midline theta power is related to successful inhibition and inhibition efficiency. Additionally, the study aims to determine whether higher beta power following successful inhibition serves as a marker of successful response inhibition and whether it is associated with more efficient inhibition. Response inhibition is assessed with the Stop-Signal Task (SST). Results show no relation between proactive theta power and inhibition success, nor was there an association between proactive theta power and inhibition efficiency. The same results were found for beta power over the motor cortex. The results suggest that proactive theta power may not be as robustly related to inhibition success as previously assumed. Moreover, they suggest that beta power itself is not necessarily a good reflection of inhibition success. These findings highlight the importance of replication within the scientific field and the need for cautiousness when interpreting the functionality of neural correlates.