Entrainment and synchronization of brain oscillations to auditory stimulations

Abstract

Oscillations of neural excitability shape sensory, motor or cognitive processes. Furthermore, a large body of research demonstrates that intrinsic oscillations are entrained by external rhythms, allowing a simple and efficient way to enhance human brain functions. As an external stimulation source, repeating acoustic stimuli have been shown to provide a possible pacing signal for modulating the electrical activity recorded by the electroencephalogram (EEG). In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding how rhythmic auditory stimulation can selectively modulate EEG oscillations. Despite growing evidence, recent evidence suggests that standard methods of data analysis are often insufficient for a definite proof of entrainment in some instances. In particular, we stressed that the complexity of the elicited modulations, often varying in phase and frequency on a short timescale, requires time-frequency measures that are better appropriate to analyze driven brain phenomena. Once entrainment is clearly established, one can assess the specificity of its expression, thus providing a better understanding of the physiology underlying brain modulation and a faster translation to treatment programs in various psychopathologic conditions.

Keywords: Auditory stimulation; EEG oscillations; Neuromodulation; Oscillology.