A Neurodynamic Model of Inter-Brain Coupling in the Gamma Band

Abstract The use of EEG to simultaneously record multiple brains (i.e., hyperscanning) during social interactions has led to the discovery of inter-brain coupling (IBC). IBC is defined as the neural synchronization between people and is considered to be a marker of social interaction. IBC has previously been observed across different frequency bands, including Theta [4-7 Hz]. Given the proximity of this frequency range with behavioral rhythms, models have been able to combine IBC in Theta with sensorimotor coordination patterns. Interestingly, empirical EEG-hyperscanning results also report the emergence of IBC in the Gamma range [>30 Hz]. Gamma oscillations’ fast and transient nature makes a direct link between Gamma-IBC and other (much slower) interpersonal dynamics difficult, leaving Gamma-IBC without a plausible model. However, at the intra-brain level, Gamma activity is coupled with the dynamics of lower frequencies through cross-frequency coupling (CFC). This paper provides a biophysical explanation for the emergence of Gamma inter-brain coupling using a Kuramoto model of four oscillators divided into two separate (brain) units. By modulating both the degree of inter-brain coupling in the Theta band (i.e., between-units coupling) and CFC (i.e., intra-unit Theta-Gamma coupling), we provide a theoretical explanation of the observed Gamma-IBC phenomenon in the EEG-hyperscanning literature.