Task-dependent changes of motor cortical network excitability during precision grip compared to isolated finger contraction

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 1522-1529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nezha Kouchtir-Devanne ◽  
Charles Capaday ◽  
François Cassim ◽  
Philippe Derambure ◽  
Hervé Devanne
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Precision Grip ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Maximum Slope ◽  
Corticospinal Pathway ◽  
Long Latency ◽  
Motor Cortical

The purpose of this study was to determine whether task-dependent differences in corticospinal pathway excitability occur in going from isolated contractions of the index finger to its coordinated activity with the thumb. Focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure input-output (I/O) curves—a measure of corticospinal pathway excitability—of the contralateral first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle in 21 healthy subjects performing two isometric motor tasks: index abduction and precision grip. The level of FDI electromyographic (EMG) activity was kept constant across tasks. The amplitude of the FDI motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the duration of FDI silent period (SP) were plotted against TMS stimulus intensity and fitted, respectively, to a Boltzmann sigmoidal function. The plateau level of the FDI MEP amplitude I/O curve increased by an average of 40% during the precision grip compared with index abduction. Likewise, the steepness of the curve, as measured by the value of the maximum slope, increased by nearly 70%. By contrast, all I/O curve parameters [plateau, stimulus intensity required to obtain 50% of maximum response ( S50), and slope] of SP duration were similar between the two tasks. Short- and long-latency intracortical inhibitions (SICI and LICI, respectively) were also measured in each task. Both measures of inhibition decreased during precision grip compared with the isolated contraction. The results demonstrate that the motor cortical circuits controlling index and thumb muscles become functionally coupled when the muscles are used synergistically and this may be due, at least in part, to a decrease of intracortical inhibition and an increase of recurrent excitation.

scholarly journals Transspinal stimulation decreases corticospinal excitability and alters the function of spinal locomotor networks

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 2331-2343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy S. Pulverenti ◽  
Md. Anamul Islam ◽  
Ola Alsalman ◽  
Lynda M. Murray ◽  
Noam Y. Harel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Step Cycle ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Descending Volleys ◽  
Period Duration

Locomotion requires the continuous integration of descending motor commands and sensory inputs from the legs by spinal central pattern generator circuits. Modulation of spinal neural circuits by transspinal stimulation is well documented, but how transspinal stimulation affects corticospinal excitability during walking in humans remains elusive. We measured the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) at multiple phases of the step cycle conditioned with transspinal stimulation delivered at sub- and suprathreshold intensities of the spinally mediated transspinal evoked potential (TEP). Transspinal stimulation was delivered before or after transcranial magnetic stimulation during which summation between MEP and TEP responses in the surface EMG was absent or present. Relationships between MEP amplitude and background EMG activity, silent period duration, and phase-dependent EMG amplitude modulation during and after stimulation were also determined. Ankle flexor and extensor MEPs were depressed by suprathreshold transspinal stimulation when descending volleys were timed to interact with transspinal stimulation-induced motoneuron depolarization at the spinal cord. MEP depression coincided with decreased MEP gain, unaltered MEP threshold, and unaltered silent period duration. Locomotor EMG activity of bilateral knee and ankle muscles was significantly depressed during the step at which transspinal stimulation was delivered but fully recovered at the subsequent step. The results support a model in which MEP depression by transspinal stimulation occurs via subcortical or spinal mechanisms. Transspinal stimulation disrupts the locomotor output of flexor and extensor motoneurons initially, but the intact nervous system has the ability to rapidly overcome this pronounced locomotor adaptation. In conclusion, transspinal stimulation directly affects spinal locomotor centers in healthy humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lumbar transspinal stimulation decreases ankle flexor and extensor motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during walking. The MEP depression coincides with decreased MEP gain, unaltered MEP threshold changes, and unaltered silent period duration. These findings indicate that MEP depression is subcortical or spinal in origin. Healthy subjects could rapidly overcome the pronounced depression of muscle activity during the step at which transspinal stimulation was delivered. Thus, transspinal stimulation directly affects the function of spinal locomotor networks in healthy humans.

High-intensity, low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances excitability of the human corticospinal pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (5) ◽  
pp. 1969-1978
Author(s):  
Jessica M. D’Amico ◽  
Siobhan C. Dongés ◽  
Janet L. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Corticospinal Tract ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Corticospinal Pathway ◽  
Plastic Changes

In this study, we present a novel, intensity-dependent repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol that induces lasting, plastic changes within the corticospinal tract. High-intensity rTMS at a frequency of 0.1 Hz induces facilitation of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) lasting at least 35 min. Additionally, these changes are not limited only to small MEPs but occur throughout the recruitment curve. Finally, facilitation of MEPs following high-intensity rTMS does not appear to be due to changes in intracortical inhibition or facilitation.

scholarly journals Alterations in the cortical control of standing posture during varying levels of postural threat and task difficulty

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 1010-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig D. Tokuno ◽  
Martin Keller ◽  
Mark G. Carpenter ◽  
Gonzalo Márquez ◽  
Wolfgang Taube
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Task Difficulty ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Cortical Control ◽  
Corticospinal Pathway ◽  
Postural Threat ◽  
Postural Tasks ◽  
Postural Task

Cortical excitability increases during the performance of more difficult postural tasks. However, it is possible that changes in postural threat associated with more difficult tasks may in themselves lead to alterations in the neural strategies underlying postural control. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether changes in postural threat are responsible for the alterations in corticospinal excitability and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) that occur with increasing postural task difficulty. Fourteen adults completed three postural tasks (supported standing, free standing, or standing on an unstable board) at two surface heights (ground level or 3 m above ground). Single- and paired-pulse magnetic stimuli were applied to the motor cortex to compare soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) test motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and SICI between conditions. SOL and TA test MEPs increased from 0.35 ± 0.29 to 0.82 ± 0.41 mV (SOL) and from 0.64 ± 0.51 to 1.96 ± 1.45 mV (TA), respectively, whereas SICI decreased from 52.4 ± 17.2% to 39.6 ± 15.4% (SOL) and from 71.3 ± 17.7% to 50.3 ± 19.9% (TA) with increasing task difficulty. In contrast to the effects of task difficulty, only SOL test MEPs were smaller when participants stood at high (0.49 ± 0.29 mV) compared with low height (0.61 ± 0.40 mV). Because the presence of postural threat did not lead to any additional changes in the excitability of the motor corticospinal pathway and intracortical inhibition with increasing task difficulty, it seems unlikely that alterations in perceived threat are primarily responsible for the neurophysiological changes that are observed with increasing postural task difficulty. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined how task difficulty and postural threat influence the cortical control of posture. Results indicated that the motor corticospinal pathway and intracortical inhibition were modulated more by task difficulty than postural threat. Furthermore, because the presence of postural threat during the performance of various postural tasks did not lead to summative changes in motor-evoked potentials, alterations in perceived threat are not responsible for the neurophysiological changes that occur with increasing postural task difficulty.

scholarly journals Neurophysiological responses and adaptation following repeated bouts of maximal lengthening contractions in young and older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 1224-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Škarabot ◽  
Paul Ansdell ◽  
John Temesi ◽  
Glyn Howatson ◽  
Stuart Goodall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Muscle Damage ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Short Interval ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Afferent Feedback ◽  
Lengthening Contractions ◽  
Corticospinal Pathway

A bout of maximal lengthening contractions is known to produce muscle damage, but confers protection against subsequent damaging bouts, with both tending to be lower in older adults. Neural factors contribute to this adaptation, but the role of the corticospinal pathway remains unclear. Twelve young (27 ± 5 yr) and 11 older adults (66 ± 4 yr) performed two bouts of 60 maximal lengthening dorsiflexions 2 weeks apart. Neuromuscular responses were measured preexercise, immediately postexercise, and at 24 and 72 h following both bouts. The initial bout resulted in prolonged reductions in maximal voluntary torque (MVC; immediately postexercise onward, P < 0.001) and increased creatine kinase (from 24 h onward, P = 0.001), with both responses being attenuated following the second bout ( P < 0.015), demonstrating adaptation. Smaller reductions in MVC following both bouts occurred in older adults ( P = 0.005). Intracortical facilitation showed no changes ( P ≥ 0.245). Motor-evoked potentials increased 24 and 72 h postexercise in young ( P ≤ 0.038). Torque variability ( P ≤ 0.041) and H-reflex size ( P = 0.024) increased, while short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI; P = 0.019) and the silent period duration (SP) decreased ( P = 0.001) in both groups immediately postexercise. The SP decrease was smaller following the second bout ( P = 0.021), and there was an association between the change in SICI and reduction in MVC 24 h postexercise in young adults ( R = −0.47, P = 0.036). Changes in neurophysiological responses were mostly limited to immediately postexercise, suggesting a modest role in adaptation. In young adults, neural inhibitory changes are linked to the extent of MVC reduction, possibly mediated by the muscle damage–related afferent feedback. Older adults incurred less muscle damage, which has implications for exercise prescription. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to have collectively assessed the role of corticospinal, spinal, and intracortical activity in muscle damage attenuation following repeated bouts of exercise in young and older adults. Lower levels of muscle damage in older adults are not related to their neurophysiological responses. Neural inhibition transiently changed, which might be related to the extent of muscle damage; however, the role of processes along the corticospinal pathway in the adaptive response is limited.

scholarly journals Human Theta Burst Stimulation Combined with Subsequent Electroacupuncture Increases Corticospinal Excitability

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiali Li ◽  
Meng Ren ◽  
Wenjing Wang ◽  
Shutian Xu ◽  
Sicong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Short Interval ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Conduction Time ◽  
Theta Burst Stimulation ◽  
Burst Stimulation ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Theta Burst

Objective. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a widely used noninvasive brain stimulation for the facilitation of corticospinal excitability (CSE). Previous studies have shown that acupuncture applied to acupoints associated with motor function in healthy people can reduce the amplitude of the motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), which reflects the inhibition of CSE. In our work, we wanted to test whether the combination of iTBS and electroacupuncture (EA) would have different effects on CSE in humans. Methods. A single-blind sham-controlled crossover design study was conducted on 20 healthy subjects. Subjects received 20 minutes’ sham or real EA stimulation immediately after sham or real iTBS. MEPs, short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), cortical silent period (CSP), and central motor conduction time (CMCT) were recorded before each trial, and immediately, 20 minutes, and 40 minutes after the end of stimulation. Results. In the sham iTBS group, EA produced a reduction in MEPs amplitude, lasting approximately 40 minutes, while in the real iTBS group, EA significantly increased MEPs amplitude beyond 40 minutes after the end of stimulation. In sham EA group, the recorded MEPs amplitude showed no significant trend over time compared to baseline. Among all experiments, there were no significant changes in SICI, ICF, CSP, CMCT, etc. Conclusion. These data indicate that immediate application of EA after iTBS significantly increased corticospinal excitability. This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration no. ChiCTR1900025348).

Long Latency Reflexes and the Silent Period

2016 ◽  
pp. 700-706
Author(s):  
Jay A. van Gerpen ◽  
John N. Caviness
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Spinal Neurons ◽  
Flexor Reflex ◽  
Cortical Hyperexcitability ◽  
Long Latency ◽  
Stimulation Of ◽  
Long Latency Reflexes

Long latency reflexes (LLRs) are EMG activity occurring during the transition from reflex to voluntary motor activity, which probably arise from a transcortical loop, including afferents within the dorsal column/medial lemniscal system to the sensorimotor cortex and corticospinal tract efferents. Depending upon the site of a lesion and its pathophysiology, LLRs may be absent, delayed, or enhanced. In disorders of cortical hyperexcitability, including cortical myoclonus, an LLR occurring 40–60 ms after stimulation of the median nerve at rest may be present (“C-reflex.”) In response to noxious stimuli to the lower extremities, a polysynaptic network of spinal neurons, flexor reflex afferents, induce a patterned withdrawal response, including hip and knee flexion. These flexor reflexes may aid in the diagnosis of disorders of spinal cord hyperexcitability. Normally, following high stimulation of a peripheral nerve innervating a muscle that is being strongly contracted, no electrical activity occurs for approximately 100 ms (“silent period.”_ In disorders of distal peripheral nerve or muscle hyperexcitability, the silent period may be absent.

scholarly journals The value of corticospinal excitability and intracortical inhibition in predicting motor skill improvement driven by action observation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturo Nuara ◽  
Maria Chiara Bazzini ◽  
Pasquale Cardellicchio ◽  
Emilia Scalona ◽  
Doriana De Marco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Skill ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Short Interval ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Rehabilitative Treatment ◽  
Skill Improvement

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Action observation can sustain motor skill improvement. At the neurophysiological level, action observation affects the excitability of the motor cortices, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. However, whether the cortical modulations induced by action observation may explain the amount of motor improvement driven by action observation training (AOT) remains to be addressed. METHODS: We conducted a two-phase study involving 40 volunteers. First, we assessed the effect of action observation on corticospinal excitability (amplitude of motor evoked potentials), short-interval intracortical inhibition, and transcallosal inhibition (ipsilateral silent period). Subsequently, a randomized-controlled design was applied, with AOT participants asked to observe and then execute, as quickly as possible, a right-hand dexterity task six consecutive times, whereas controls had to observe a no-action video before performing the same task. RESULTS: AOT participants showed greater performance improvement relative to controls. The amount of improvement in the AOT group was predicted by the amplitude of corticospinal modulation during action observation and even more by the amount of intracortical inhibition induced by action observation. Importantly, these relations were found specifically for the AOT group and not for the controls. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified the neurophysiological signatures associated with, and potentially sustaining, the outcome of AOT. Intracortical inhibition driven by action observation plays a major role. These findings elucidate the cortical mechanisms underlying AOT efficacy and open to predictive assessments for the identification of potential responders to AOT, informing the rehabilitative treatment individualization.

scholarly journals Stimulus Intensity Affects Variability of Motor Evoked Responses of the Non-Paretic, but Not Paretic Tibialis Anterior Muscle in Stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
Anjali Sivaramakrishnan ◽  
Sangeetha Madhavan
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Tibialis Anterior Muscle ◽  
Silent Period ◽  
Stimulus Response ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Magnetic Stimulus ◽  
Active Motor ◽  
Selection Of

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulus induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are quantified either with a single suprathreshold stimulus or using a stimulus response curve. Here, we explored variability in MEPs influenced by different stimulus intensities for the tibialis anterior muscle in stroke. Methods: MEPs for the paretic and non-paretic tibialis anterior (TA) muscle representations were collected from 26 participants with stroke at seven intensities. Variability of MEP parameters was examined with coefficients of variation (CV). Results: CV for the non-paretic TA MEP amplitude and area was significantly lower at 130% and 140% active motor threshold (AMT). CV for the paretic TA MEP amplitude and area did not vary with intensity. CV of MEP latency decreased with higher intensities for both muscles. CV of the silent period decreased with higher intensity for the non-paretic TA, but was in reverse for the paretic TA. Conclusion: We recommend a stimulus intensity of greater than 130% AMT to reduce variability for the non-paretic TA. The stimulus intensity did not affect the MEP variability of the paretic TA. Variability of MEPs is affected by intensity and side tested (paretic and non-paretic), suggesting careful selection of experimental parameters for testing.

Task-Specific Depression of the Soleus H-Reflex After Cocontraction Training of Antagonistic Ankle Muscles

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 3677-3687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica A. Perez ◽  
Jesper Lundbye-Jensen ◽  
Jens B. Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Presynaptic Inhibition ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
H Reflex ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Ankle Muscles ◽  
Simultaneous Activation

Ballet dancers have small soleus (SOL) H-reflex amplitudes, which may be related to frequent use of cocontraction of antagonistic ankle muscles. Indeed, SOL H-reflexes are depressed during cocontraction compared with plantarflexion at matched background EMG level. We investigated the effect of 30-min training of simultaneous activation of ankle dorsi- and plantarflexor muscles (cocontraction task) on the SOL H-reflex in 10 healthy volunteers. Measurements were taken during cocontraction. After training, there was a significant improvement in the ability of the subjects to perform a stable cocontraction. SOL H-reflex recruitment curves and H-max/M-max ratios were decreased after cocontraction training but not after 30 min of static dorsi or plantarflexion. The decreased H-reflex size correlated with improved motor performance. No changes in SOL and tibialis anterior (TA) EMG activity or EMG power were observed, suggesting that increased presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents is a likely mechanism for H-reflex depression. In different sessions we measured SOL and TA motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), TMS-elicited suppression of SOL EMG, and coherence between electroencephalographic (EEG) activity (Cz) and TA and SOL EMG. SOL and TA MEPs were depressed, whereas TMS-elicited suppression of SOL EMG and coherence were increased after training. Decreased excitability of corticospinal neurons due to increased intracortical inhibition seems a likely explanation of these observations. Our results indicate that the depression in H-reflex observed during a cocontraction task can be trained and that repeated performance of tasks involving cocontraction may lead to prolonged changes in reflex and corticospinal excitability.

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