Experience with novel actions modulates frontal alpha EEG desynchronization

There is growing interest in the effects of experience on the neural processes linking action execution and action perception. We tested whether experience with unfamiliar actions can alter desynchronization of alpha-range power in the EEG upon re-observation of those actions. In a training session, participants (N = 21) watched videos of novel drawing movements. Half of the movements were imitated after each viewing, and half of the movements were seen but not imitated, thus forming two training conditions: visual plus motor experience (V + M), and visual experience only (VU). In a testing session the next day, participants were shown the same videos of both sets of movements, and were also shown a third, completely novel, set of movements. Imitative performance was better for both training conditions than for novel actions. Event-related EEG desynchronization in the upper alpha band during action observation differed between conditions at frontal electrode sites, with novel actions being associated with less frontal desynchronization compared to V + M and VU actions. Differences between conditions were not noted over other regions. This suggests that moderate amounts of initial experience with novel actions can alter the neural processing of these actions when viewed again, particularly over frontal regions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.