Left-lateralization of speech production is indexed by the amplitude of preparatory alpha desynchronization

Large scale brain networks are ideal to study communication between brain regions. Given that the speech production network consists of various control, motor and sensory regions we hypothesized that different brain rhythms contribute to the intention to speak. By using a cue-target paradigm during MEG, allowing us to separate cognitive preparation from motor preparation, we investigated how the speech production network is prepared and set up. When intending to read aloud, delta power increases in the bilateral mesial alertness system. A decrease in alpha and low-beta is observed in regions performing sensorimo…