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Human theta oscillations exhibit task dependence during virtual maze navigation

Author

Listed:
  • Michael J. Kahana

    (Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University
    Children's Hospital)

  • Robert Sekuler

    (Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University
    Children's Hospital)

  • Jeremy B. Caplan

    (Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University)

  • Matthew Kirschen

    (Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University)

  • Joseph R. Madsen

    (Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University
    Children's Hospital
    Harvard Medical School)

Abstract

Theta oscillations (electroencephalographic activity with a frequency of 4–8 Hz) have long been implicated in spatial navigation in rodents1,2,3,; however, the role of theta oscillators in human spatial navigation has not been explored. Here we describe subdural recordings from epileptic patients learning to navigate computer-generated mazes. Visual inspection of the raw intracranial signal revealed striking episodes of high-amplitude slow-wave oscillations at a number of areas of the cortex, including temporal cortex. Spectral analysis showed that these oscillations were in the theta band. These episodes of theta activity, which typically last several cycles, are dependent on task characteristics. Theta oscillations occur more frequently in more complex mazes; they are also more frequent during recall trials than during learning trials.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael J. Kahana & Robert Sekuler & Jeremy B. Caplan & Matthew Kirschen & Joseph R. Madsen, 1999. "Human theta oscillations exhibit task dependence during virtual maze navigation," Nature, Nature, vol. 399(6738), pages 781-784, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:399:y:1999:i:6738:d:10.1038_21645
    DOI: 10.1038/21645
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    Cited by:

    1. Marije ter Wal & Juan Linde-Domingo & Julia Lifanov & Frédéric Roux & Luca D. Kolibius & Stephanie Gollwitzer & Johannes Lang & Hajo Hamer & David Rollings & Vijay Sawlani & Ramesh Chelvarajah & Bernh, 2021. "Theta rhythmicity governs human behavior and hippocampal signals during memory-dependent tasks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.

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