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Frank SM. Transfer of Tactile Learning to Untrained Body Parts: Emerging Cortical Mechanisms. Neuroscientist 2024:10738584241256277. [PMID: 38813891 DOI: 10.1177/10738584241256277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Pioneering investigations in the mid-19th century revealed that the perception of tactile cues presented to the surface of the skin improves with training, which is referred to as tactile learning. Surprisingly, tactile learning also occurs for body parts and skin locations that are not physically involved in the training. For example, after training of a finger, tactile learning transfers to adjacent untrained fingers. This suggests that the transfer of tactile learning follows a somatotopic pattern and involves brain regions such as the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), in which the trained and untrained body parts and skin locations are represented close to each other. However, other results showed that transfer occurs between body parts that are not represented close to each other in S1-for example, between the hand and the foot. These and similar findings have led to the suggestion of additional cortical mechanisms to explain the transfer of tactile learning. Here, different mechanisms are reviewed, and the extent to which they can explain the transfer of tactile learning is discussed. What all of these mechanisms have in common is that they assume a representational or functional relationship between the trained and untrained body parts and skin locations. However, none of these mechanisms alone can explain the complex pattern of transfer results, and it is likely that different mechanisms interact to enable transfer, perhaps in concert with higher somatosensory and decision-making areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian M Frank
- Institute for Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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2
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Seo HG, Yun SJ, Farrens A, Johnson C, Reinkensmeyer DJ. A Systematic Review of the Learning Dynamics of Proprioception Training: Specificity, Acquisition, Retention, and Transfer. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:744-757. [PMID: 37864458 PMCID: PMC10847967 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231207354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify key aspects of the learning dynamics of proprioception training including: 1) specificity to the training type, 2) acquisition of proprioceptive skills, 3) retention of learning effects, and 4) transfer to different proprioceptive skills. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search using the database (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PEDro). The inclusion criteria required adult participants who underwent any training program that could enhance proprioceptive function, and at least 1 quantitative assessment of proprioception before and after the intervention. We analyzed within-group changes to quantify the effectiveness of an intervention. RESULTS In total, 106 studies with 343 participant-outcome groups were included. Proprioception-specific training resulted in large effect sizes with a mean improvement of 23.4 to 42.6%, nonspecific training resulted in medium effect sizes with 12.3 to 22% improvement, and no training resulted in small effect sizes with 5.0 to 8.9% improvement. Single-session training exhibited significant proprioceptive improvement immediately (10 studies). For training interventions with a midway evaluation (4 studies), trained groups improved by approximately 70% of their final value at the midway point. Proprioceptive improvements were largely maintained at a delayed follow-up of at least 1 week (12 studies). Finally, improvements in 1 assessment were significantly correlated with improvements in another assessment (10 studies). CONCLUSIONS Proprioceptive learning appears to exhibit several features similar to motor learning, including specificity to the training type, 2 time constant learning curves, good retention, and improvements that are correlated between different assessments, suggesting a possible, common mechanism for the transfer of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Gil Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
| | - Seo Jung Yun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Andria Farrens
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
| | - David J. Reinkensmeyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California at Irvine, California, USA
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Tsujinaka R, Oda H, Fukuda S, Hamada N, Matsuoka M, Hiraoka K. Afferent volley from the digital nerve induces short-latency facilitation of perceptual sensitivity and primary sensory cortex excitability. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1339-1351. [PMID: 37012374 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined whether the perceptual sensitivity and excitability of the primary sensory cortex are modulated by the afferent volley from the digital nerve of a conditioned finger within a short period of time. The perceptual threshold of an electrical stimulus to the index finger (test stimulus) was decreased by a conditioning stimulus to the index finger 4 or 6 ms before the test stimulus, or by a stimulus to the middle or ring finger 2 ms before that. This is explained by the view that the afferent volleys from the digital nerves of the fingers converge in the somatosensory areas, causing spatial summation of the afferent inputs through a small number of synaptic relays, leading to the facilitation of perceptual sensitivity. The N20 component of the somatosensory-evoked potential was facilitated by a conditioning stimulus to the middle finger 4 ms before a test stimulus or to the thumb 2 ms before the test stimulus. This is explained by the view that the afferent volley from the digital nerve of the finger adjacent to the tested finger induces lateral facilitation of the representation of the tested finger in the primary sensory cortex through a small number of synaptic relays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Tsujinaka
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Oda
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino City, Japan
| | - Shiho Fukuda
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Habikino City, Japan
| | - Naoki Hamada
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Habikino City, Japan
| | - Masakazu Matsuoka
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Habikino City, Japan
| | - Koichi Hiraoka
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Habikino City, Japan.
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Zhang KJ, Zhou H, Guo H, Li W, Yang Z, Liu R, Qin S, Xie X, Tian J. Learning and Short-Term Retention of Simulation-Based Arthroscopic Skills. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2023; 80:119-126. [PMID: 36137894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to examine the learning curve and short-term retention of arthroscopic skills acquired on a simulator. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Clinical Skills Training Center of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University PARTICIPANT AND METHODS: Orthopaedic residents (n = 14) without previous arthroscopy experience were included. After basic information was collected and an initial arthroscopy knowledge level test was administered, the subjects received standardised training on the simulator (day 1); then, they completed tasks on the simulator, including guided diagnostics (4 times), triangulation (5 times) and loose body removal (7 times). A learning curve for each skill was generated based on the total scores. The score of the last repetition of each task was the training level. RESULTS A total of 14 orthopedic residents were enrolled. All participants completed the training and testing. There was a learning curve over the course of training for all 3 arthroscopic skills (p < 0.001). On day 8 after the training, the mean score for guided diagnostics decreased from 49.9 to 48.9 (p = 0.001), and the retention rate was 97.8%. For triangulation, the mean total score decreased from 58.9 to 53.6 (p < 0.001), and the retention rate was 90.8%. For loose body removal, the mean total score decreased from 87.1 to 80.7 (p < 0.001), and the retention rate was 92.7%. CONCLUSIONS Orthopaedic residents' arthroscopic skills learned through simulator training declined significantly in 1 week after the training, especially more difficult skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Jun Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haixia Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haopeng Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhouwen Yang
- Clinical Skills Training Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rubing Liu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanlu Qin
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Clinical Skills Training Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Wang Y, Zhu H, Elangovan N, Cappello L, Sandini G, Masia L, Konczak J. A robot-aided visuomotor wrist training induces gains in proprioceptive and movement accuracy in the contralateral wrist. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5281. [PMID: 33674684 PMCID: PMC7935923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprioceptive training is a neurorehabilitation approach known to improve proprioceptive acuity and motor performance of a joint/limb system. Here, we examined if such learning transfers to the contralateral joints. Using a robotic exoskeleton, 15 healthy, right-handed adults (18-35 years) trained a visuomotor task that required making increasingly small wrist movements challenging proprioceptive function. Wrist position sense just-noticeable-difference thresholds (JND) and spatial movement accuracy error (MAE) in a wrist-pointing task that was not trained were assessed before and immediately as well as 24 h after training. The main results are: first, training reduced JND thresholds (- 27%) and MAE (- 33%) in the trained right wrist. Sensory and motor gains were observable 24 h after training. Second, in the untrained left wrist, mean JND significantly decreased (- 32%) at posttest. However, at retention the effect was no longer significant. Third, motor error at the untrained wrist declined slowly. Gains were not significant at posttest, but MAE was significantly reduced (- 27%) at retention. This study provides first evidence that proprioceptive-focused visuomotor training can induce proprioceptive and motor gains not only in the trained joint but also in the contralateral, homologous joint. We discuss the possible neurophysiological mechanism behind such sensorimotor transfer and its implications for neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhao Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
- College of Exercise and Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China.
| | - Huiying Zhu
- Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Naveen Elangovan
- Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Leonardo Cappello
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Sandini
- Department of Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Masia
- Institut für Technische Informatik, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Konczak
- Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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Dempsey-Jones H, Steudte-Schmiedgen S, Browning M, Makin TR, Woud ML, Harmer CJ, Margraf J, Reinecke A. Human perceptual learning is delayed by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor partial agonist D-cycloserine. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:253-264. [PMID: 33570017 PMCID: PMC7924109 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120986349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimisation of learning has long been a focus of scientific research, particularly in relation to improving psychological treatment and recovery of brain function. Previously, partial N-methyl-D-aspartate agonists have been shown to augment reward learning, procedural learning and psychological therapy, but many studies also report no impact of these compounds on the same processes. AIMS Here we investigate whether administration of an N-methyl-D-aspartate partial agonist (D-cycloserine) modulates a previously unexplored process - tactile perceptual learning. Further, we use a longitudinal design to investigate whether N-methyl-D-aspartate-related learning effects vary with time, thereby providing a potentially simple explanation for apparent mixed effects in previous research. METHODS Thirty-four volunteers were randomised to receive one dose of 250 mg D-cycloserine or placebo 2 h before tactile sensitivity training. Tactile perception was measured using psychophysical methods before and after training, and 24/48 h later. RESULTS The placebo group showed immediate within-day tactile perception gains, but no further improvements between-days. In contrast, tactile perception remained at baseline on day one in the D-cycloserine group (no within-day learning), but showed significant overnight gains on day two. Both groups were equivalent in tactile perception by the final testing - indicating N-methyl-D-aspartate effects changed the timing, but not the overall amount of tactile learning. CONCLUSIONS In sum, we provide first evidence for modulation of perceptual learning by administration of a partial N-methyl-D-aspartate agonist. Resolving how the effects of such compounds become apparent over time will assist the optimisation of testing schedules, and may help resolve discrepancies across the learning and cognition domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Dempsey-Jones
- Wellcome Centre for Integrated Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susann Steudte-Schmiedgen
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Browning
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Tamar R Makin
- Wellcome Centre for Integrated Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marcella L Woud
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Juergen Margraf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Tactile learning transfer from the hand to the face but not to the forearm implies a special hand-face relationship. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11752. [PMID: 30082760 PMCID: PMC6079060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30183-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the primary somatosensory cortex, large-scale cortical and perceptual changes have been demonstrated following input deprivation. Recently, we found that the cortical and perceptual changes induced by repetitive somatosensory stimulation (RSS) at a finger transfer to the face. However, whether such cross-border changes are specific to the face remains elusive. Here, we investigated whether RSS-induced acuity changes at the finger can also transfer to the forearm, which is the body part represented on the other side of the hand representation. Our results confirmed the transfer of tactile learning from the stimulated finger to the lip, but no significant changes were observed at the forearm. A second experiment revealed that the same regions on the forearm exhibited improved tactile acuity when RSS was applied there, excluding the possibility of low plastic ability at the arm representation. This provides also the first evidence that RSS can be efficient on body parts other than the hand. These results suggest that RSS-induced tactile learning transfers preferentially from the hand to the face rather than to the forearm. This specificity could arise from a stronger functional connectivity between the cortical hand and face representations, reflecting a fundamental coupling between these body parts.
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8
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Hirtz R, Weiss T, Huonker R, Witte OW. Impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on structural plasticity of the somatosensory system. J Neurosci Res 2018; 96:1367-1379. [PMID: 29876962 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
While there is a growing body of evidence regarding the behavioral and neurofunctional changes in response to the longitudinal delivery of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), there is limited evidence regarding its structural effects. Therefore, the present study was intended to investigate the effect of repeatedly applied anodal tDCS over the primary somatosensory cortex on the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) compartment of the brain. Structural tDCS effects were, moreover, related to effects evidenced by functional imaging and behavioral assessment. tDCS was applied over the course of 5 days in 25 subjects with concomitant assessment of tactile acuity of the right and left index finger as well as imaging at baseline, after the last delivery of tDCS and at follow-up 4 weeks thereafter. Irrespective of the stimulation condition (anodal vs. sham), voxel-based morphometry revealed a behaviorally relevant decrease of GM in the precuneus co-localized with a functional change of its activity. Moreover, there was a decrease in GM of the bilateral lingual gyrus and the right cerebellum. Diffusion tensor imaging analysis showed an increase of fractional anisotropy exclusively in the tDCSanodal condition in the left frontal cortex affecting the final stretch of a somatosensory decision making network comprising the middle and superior frontal gyrus as well as regions adjacent to the genu of the corpus callosum. Thus, this is the first study in humans to identify structural plasticity in the GM compartment and tDCS-specific changes in the WM compartment in response to somatosensory learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Hirtz
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Weiss
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralph Huonker
- Brain Imaging Center, Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Otto W Witte
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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9
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Impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on somatosensory transfer learning: When the secondary somatosensory cortex comes into play. Brain Res 2018; 1689:98-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Stronks HC, Walker J, Parker DJ, Barnes N. Training Improves Vibrotactile Spatial Acuity and Intensity Discrimination on the Lower Back Using Coin Motors. Artif Organs 2017; 41:1059-1070. [DOI: 10.1111/aor.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Christiaan Stronks
- NICTAComputer Vision Research GroupCanberra Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchAustralian National UniversityCanberra Australia
| | - Janine Walker
- NICTAComputer Vision Research GroupCanberra Australia
- Centre for Mental Health ResearchAustralian National UniversityCanberra Australia
| | | | - Nick Barnes
- NICTAComputer Vision Research GroupCanberra Australia
- College of Engineering and Computer ScienceAustralian National UniversityCanberra Australia
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11
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Kuo HC, Gordon AM, Henrionnet A, Hautfenne S, Friel KM, Bleyenheuft Y. The effects of intensive bimanual training with and without tactile training on tactile function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: A pilot study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 49-50:129-139. [PMID: 26698408 PMCID: PMC4871715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) often have tactile impairments. Intensive bimanual training improves the motor abilities, but the effects on the sensory system have not been studied. Here we compare the effects of bimanual training with and without tactile training on tactile impairments. Twenty children with USCP (6-15.5 years; MACS: I-III) were randomized to receive either bimanual therapy (HABIT) or HABIT+tactile training (HABIT+T). All participants received 82 h of standardized HABIT. In addition 8 sessions of 1h were provided to both groups. The HABIT+T group received tactile training (without vision) using materials of varied shapes and textures. The HABIT group received training with the same materials without tactile directed training (full vision). Primary outcomes included grating orientation task/GOT and stereognosis. Secondary outcomes included two-point discrimination/TPD, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments/SWM. The GOT improved in both groups after training, while stereognosis of the more-affected hand tended to improve (but p=0.063). No changes were found in the TPD and the SWM. There were no group×test interactions for any measure. We conclude tactile spatial resolution can improve after bimanual training. Either intensive bimanual training alone or incorporation of materials with a diversity of shapes/textures may drive these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Ching Kuo
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, Box 93, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Andrew M Gordon
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, Box 93, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Aline Henrionnet
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sylvie Hautfenne
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kathleen M Friel
- Burke-Cornell Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Brain-Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Yannick Bleyenheuft
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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12
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Dempsey-Jones H, Harrar V, Oliver J, Johansen-Berg H, Spence C, Makin TR. Transfer of tactile perceptual learning to untrained neighboring fingers reflects natural use relationships. J Neurophysiol 2015; 115:1088-97. [PMID: 26631145 PMCID: PMC4808091 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00181.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tactile learning transfers from trained to untrained fingers in a pattern that reflects overlap between the representations of fingers in the somatosensory system (e.g., neurons with multifinger receptive fields). While physical proximity on the body is known to determine the topography of somatosensory representations, tactile coactivation is also an established organizing principle of somatosensory topography. In this study we investigated whether tactile coactivation, induced by habitual inter-finger cooperative use (use pattern), shapes inter-finger overlap. To this end, we used psychophysics to compare the transfer of tactile learning from the middle finger to its adjacent fingers. This allowed us to compare transfer to two fingers that are both physically and cortically adjacent to the middle finger but have differing use patterns. Specifically, the middle finger is used more frequently with the ring than with the index finger. We predicted this should lead to greater representational overlap between the former than the latter pair. Furthermore, this difference in overlap should be reflected in differential learning transfer from the middle to index vs. ring fingers. Subsequently, we predicted temporary learning-related changes in the middle finger's representation (e.g., cortical magnification) would cause transient interference in perceptual thresholds of the ring, but not the index, finger. Supporting this, longitudinal analysis revealed a divergence where learning transfer was fast to the index finger but relatively delayed to the ring finger. Our results support the theory that tactile coactivation patterns between digits affect their topographic relationships. Our findings emphasize how action shapes perception and somatosensory organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Dempsey-Jones
- FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vanessa Harrar
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Oliver
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi Johansen-Berg
- FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Spence
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tamar R Makin
- FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
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Baum SH, Stevenson RA, Wallace MT. Behavioral, perceptual, and neural alterations in sensory and multisensory function in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 134:140-60. [PMID: 26455789 PMCID: PMC4730891 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Although sensory processing challenges have been noted since the first clinical descriptions of autism, it has taken until the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 for sensory problems to be included as part of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the diagnostic profile. Because sensory information forms the building blocks for higher-order social and cognitive functions, we argue that sensory processing is not only an additional piece of the puzzle, but rather a critical cornerstone for characterizing and understanding ASD. In this review we discuss what is currently known about sensory processing in ASD, how sensory function fits within contemporary models of ASD, and what is understood about the differences in the underlying neural processing of sensory and social communication observed between individuals with and without ASD. In addition to highlighting the sensory features associated with ASD, we also emphasize the importance of multisensory processing in building perceptual and cognitive representations, and how deficits in multisensory integration may also be a core characteristic of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Baum
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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14
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Cox LE, Harris EC, Auld ML, Johnston LM. Impact of tactile function on upper limb motor function in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 45-46:373-383. [PMID: 26299639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the presence of, and relationship between tactile dysfunction and upper limb motor function in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) compared to typical developing (TD) children. Participants were 36 children aged 6-12 years. Presence of DCD (n=20) or TD (n=16) was confirmed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition. All children participated in a comprehensive assessment of tactile registration (Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments); tactile spatial perception (Single Point Localisation (SPL) and two-point discrimination (2PD)); haptic perception (Stereognosis); speed of simple everyday manual tasks (Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF)); and handwriting speed and accuracy (Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting (ETCH)). Compared to TD children, children with DCD demonstrated poorer localisation of touch in the non-dominant hand (p=0.04), slower speed of alphabet writing (p<0.05) and less legible handwriting (p<0.01), but no difference in speed of simple everyday manual tasks (JTTHF: p>0.05). Regression analysis showed that spatial tactile perception (SPL) predicted handwriting legibility (ETCH: r=0.11) and speed of functional tasks (JTTHF: r=0.33). These results suggest that tactile function, specifically single point localisation, should be a primary tactile assessment employed to determine reasons for upper limb motor difficulties experienced by children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Cox
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Harris
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Megan L Auld
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Leanne M Johnston
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
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15
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Abstract
The perceived distance between touches on the limbs is generally bigger for distances oriented across the width of the limb than for distances oriented along the length of the limb. The present study aimed to investigate the coherence of such distortions of tactile size perception across different skin surfaces. We investigated distortions of tactile size perception on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of both the left and right hands as well as the forehead. Participants judged which of two tactile distances felt larger. One distance was aligned with the proximodistal axis (along the body), the other with the mediolateral axis (across the body). Clear distortions were found on all five skin surfaces, with stimuli oriented across the width of the body being perceived as farther apart than those oriented along the length of the body. Consistent with previous results, distortions were smaller on the palmar than on the dorsal hand surface. Distortion on the forehead was intermediate between the dorsal and palmar surfaces. There were clear correlations between distortion on the left and right hands, for both the dorsal and palmar skin surfaces. In contrast, within each hand, there was no significant correlation between the two skin surfaces. Distortion on the forehead was not significantly correlated with that on any of the other skin surfaces. These results provide evidence for bilaterally symmetric representations underlying tactile size perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Longo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
| | - Arko Ghosh
- Institute of Neuroinformatics and Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tasneem Yahya
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
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16
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Neural changes with tactile learning reflect decision-level reweighting of perceptual readout. J Neurosci 2013; 33:5387-98. [PMID: 23516304 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3482-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable work, the neural basis of perceptual learning remains uncertain. For visual learning, although some studies suggested that changes in early sensory representations are responsible, other studies point to decision-level reweighting of perceptual readout. These competing possibilities have not been examined in other sensory systems, investigating which could help resolve the issue. Here we report a study of human tactile microspatial learning in which participants achieved >six-fold decline in acuity threshold after multiple training sessions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed during performance of the tactile microspatial task and a control, tactile temporal task. Effective connectivity between relevant brain regions was estimated using multivariate, autoregressive models of hidden neuronal variables obtained by deconvolution of the hemodynamic response. Training-specific increases in task-selective activation assessed using the task × session interaction and associated changes in effective connectivity primarily involved subcortical and anterior neocortical regions implicated in motor and/or decision processes, rather than somatosensory cortical regions. A control group of participants tested twice, without intervening training, exhibited neither threshold improvement nor increases in task-selective activation. Our observations argue that neuroplasticity mediating perceptual learning occurs at the stage of perceptual readout by decision networks. This is consonant with the growing shift away from strictly modular conceptualization of the brain toward the idea that complex network interactions underlie even simple tasks. The convergence of our findings on tactile learning with recent studies of visual learning reconciles earlier discrepancies in the literature on perceptual learning.
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