Prior findings indicate functional EEG connectivity (as indexed by inter-channel phase coherence in the alpha (6-9Hz)) frequency range) between motor and visual areas during observation of grasping action in infancy. Furthermore, an association was found between motor competence and greater motor-visual connectivity during action anticipation relative to global levels of whole-brain connectivity. Pointing gestures share a similar kinematic form, but conveys a different intent from grasping action, i.e. convey communicative information. The current proposal asks whether perception of grasping action and pointing gestures share similar neural underpinnings, and whether infants’ pointing experience affects the level of coordination between motor and visual areas during processing of others’ pointing. We will re-analyze data collected in Salo et al., (under invited revision) whom collected infants’ neural activity during observation of grasping and pointing, information on prior experience in production of pointing, and conducted a pointing intervention study (Point to Success). First, we will explore whether infants show greater motor-visual phase coherence at the alpha frequency range (6-9Hz) than control circuits during observation of grasping and pointing. Second, we will evaluate whether infants reported as pointers show greater motor-visual phase coherence as compared to non-pointers. Lastly, we will investigate whether infants who received pointing intervention show greater motor-visual phase coherence as compared to those who did not receive intervention. Findings from this proposal will not only provide novel insights on the neural mechanism involved with perception of actions and gestures, but also elucidate the role of experience on motor-visual connectivity during pointing gesture.
