Temporal Dynamics of EEG Reflect Continuous Error Correction during Force Control

Abstract

Effective motor control depends on the ability to monitor performance and make continuous corrections. While many studies focus on discrete errors, everyday actions often require ongoing feedback-based adjustments. Here, we used an isometric force control task with electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the neural dynamics supporting real-time error correction. Participants (13 females, 10 males) maintained a constant grip force with or without continuous visual feedback. With feedback, behavior showed ∼6 Hz rhythmic fluctuations, consistent with active correction. These fluctuations were statistically linked to EEG activity across theta, beta, and alpha bands—oscillations linked to performance monitoring, updating, and attentional control. Without feedback, performance decayed linearly, and the corresponding neural signatures were reduced. These findings suggest that continuous sensory feedback engages a dynamic feedback loop involving distinct neural processes that support adaptive behavior. Our results highlight the importance of oscillatory activity in tracking and correcting moment-to-moment fluctuations in force, offering insight into the neural basis of feedback-loop force control.