Dopaminergic modulation of behavioral and electrocortical markers of interpersonal performance monitoring in Parkinson’s Disease: insights from multivariate and univariate analyses

Effective interpersonal interaction necessitates constant monitoring and adaptation to others’ actions, a process known as interpersonal performance monitoring, which is influenced by the dopaminergic system and marked by specific electrocortical signatures. To explore the connection between deficits in interpersonal performance monitoring and altered neural markers, we assessed patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) performing coordination tasks with a virtual partner (VP) under two conditions: on dopaminergic medication (PD ON) and after withdrawal (PD OFF). In Interactive trials, which required adaptation to the VP’s actions, PD OFF performance was impaired compared to PD ON. EEG analysis revealed in PD OFF increased midfrontal Delta-Theta activity during Interactive trials. Higher Delta-Theta synchronization was associated with improved performance, suggesting compensatory mechanisms. Multivariate EEG analysis distinguished Interactive from Cued trials, especially in PD OFF. Our findings highlight dopamine’ s role in modulating electrocortical markers of interpersonal performance monitor, with significant implications for understanding and treating PD.