On the role of the right premotor cortex in musical rhythm perception: a dense-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) mapping approach

Abstract Humans have the unique ability to flexibly and proactively extract a regular beat from complex auditory patterns, such as music. Recent neuropysiological neuroimaging studies demonstrated that perception rely on interactions between motor systems, specifically premotor cortex (PMC) supplementary areas (SMA/pre-SMA). However, how planning regions in human brain actively contributes is still an open question. To fill this gap, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over grid of 4 spots covering right dorsal (PMd) medial part (SMA/pre-SMA) PMC, while participants performed Beat Alignment Test (BAT). In particular, 10 Hz triple-pulses TMS immediately before tries detect misalignment metronome realistic musical extract. Results indicated that, independently degree misalignment, most caudal namely PMd pre-SMA, significantly increases probability indicating synchronized with compared sham control condition. Our results provide direct causal evidence specific within PMC houses key mechanisms for perceiving if stimulus respect beat, pointing pivotal role rhythm perception. Research Category Technology Methods Basic Research: 10. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Keywords: Premotor cortex, Rhythm perception, Trascranial Stimulation,