1
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Zhang J, McClean ZJ, Khaledi N, Morgan SJ, Millet GY, Aboodarda SJ. Reliability of transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked responses on knee extensor muscles during cycling. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1681-1695. [PMID: 38806709 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06859-y] [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] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures the excitability and inhibition of corticomotor networks. Despite its task-specificity, few studies have used TMS during dynamic movements and the reliability of TMS paired pulses has not been assessed during cycling. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of motor evoked potentials (MEP) and short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI) on vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle activity during a fatiguing single-leg cycling task. Nine healthy adults (2 female) performed two identical sessions of counterweighted single-leg cycling at 60% peak power output until failure. Five single pulses and ten paired pulses were delivered to the motor cortex, and two maximal femoral nerve stimulations (Mmax) were administered during two baseline cycling bouts (unfatigued) and every 5 min throughout cycling (fatigued). When comparing both baseline bouts within the same session, MEP·Mmax-1 and LICI (both ICC: >0.9) were rated excellent while SICI was rated good (ICC: 0.7-0.9). At baseline, between sessions, in the vastus lateralis, Mmax (ICC: >0.9) and MEP·Mmax-1 (ICC: 0.7) demonstrated good reliability; LICI was moderate (ICC: 0.5), and SICI was poor (ICC: 0.3). Across the fatiguing task, Mmax demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.8), MEP·Mmax-1 ranged good to excellent (ICC: 0.7-0.9), LICI was moderate to excellent (ICC: 0.5-0.9), and SICI remained poorly reliable (ICC: 0.3-0.6). These results corroborate the cruciality of retaining mode-specific testing measurements and suggest that during cycling, Mmax, MEP·Mmax-1, and LICI measures are reliable whereas SICI, although less reliable across days, can be reliable within the same session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Zhang
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, KNB 420, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Zachary J McClean
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, KNB 420, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Neda Khaledi
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, KNB 420, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sophie-Jayne Morgan
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, KNB 420, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Guillaume Y Millet
- Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, Lyon 1, Saint-Etienne, F-42023, France
| | - Saied Jalal Aboodarda
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, KNB 420, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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2
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Alizadeh S, Edwards PF, Lockyer EJ, Holmes MWR, Power KE, Behm DG, Button DC. Neuromechanical Differences between Pronated and Supinated Forearm Positions during Upper-Body Wingate Tests. J Sports Sci Med 2024; 23:396-409. [PMID: 38841629 PMCID: PMC11149067 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2024.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Arm-cycling is a versatile exercise modality with applications in both athletic enhancement and rehabilitation, yet the influence of forearm orientation remains understudied. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of forearm position on upper-body arm-cycling Wingate tests. Fourteen adult males (27.3 ± 5.8 years) underwent bilateral assessments of handgrip strength in standing and seated positions, followed by pronated and supinated forward arm-cycling Wingate tests. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded from five upper-extremity muscles, including anterior deltoid, triceps brachii lateral head, biceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, and brachioradialis. Simultaneously, bilateral normal and propulsion forces were measured at the pedal-crank interface. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), power output, and fatigue index were recorded post-test. The results showed that a pronated forearm position provided significantly (p < 0.05) higher normal and propulsion forces and triceps brachii muscle activation patterns during arm-cycling. No significant difference in RPE was observed between forearm positions (p = 0.17). A positive correlation was found between seated handgrip strength and peak power output during the Wingate test while pronated (dominant: p = 0.01, r = 0.55; non-dominant: p = 0.03, r = 0.49) and supinated (dominant: p = 0.03, r = 0.51; don-dominant: p = 0.04, r = 0.47). Fatigue changed the force and EMG profile during the Wingate test. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of forearm position's impact on upper-body Wingate tests. These findings have implications for optimizing training and performance strategies in individuals using arm-cycling for athletic enhancement and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Alizadeh
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Philip F Edwards
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Evan J Lockyer
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | | | - Kevin E Power
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Duane C Button
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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3
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Dai Y, Cheng Y, Ge R, Chen K, Yang L. Exercise-induced adaptation of neurons in the vertebrate locomotor system. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2024; 13:160-171. [PMID: 37914153 PMCID: PMC10980905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.10.006] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli. In particular, how these neurons respond to physical exercise has long been an area of active research. Studies of the vertebrate locomotor system's adaptability suggest multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of neuronal activity and properties during exercise. In this brief review, we highlight recent results and insights from the field with a focus on the following mechanisms: (a) alterations in neuronal excitability during acute exercise; (b) alterations in neuronal excitability after chronic exercise; (c) exercise-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties via modulation of ion channel activity; (d) exercise-enhanced dendritic plasticity; and (e) exercise-induced alterations in neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis. Our hope is to update the community with a cellular and molecular understanding of the recent mechanisms underlying the adaptability of the vertebrate locomotor system in response to both acute and chronic physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dai
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, School of Communication and Electronic Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Yi Cheng
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Renkai Ge
- School of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Confidence Software Technologies of Ministry of Education, School of Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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4
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Ortega-Robles E, Cantillo-Negrete J, Carino-Escobar RI, Arias-Carrión O. Methodological approach for assessing motor cortical excitability changes with single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. MethodsX 2023; 11:102451. [PMID: 38023316 PMCID: PMC10630640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) serves as a crucial tool in evaluating motor cortex excitability by applying short magnetic pulses to the skull, inducing neuron depolarization in the cerebral cortex through electromagnetic induction. This technique leads to the activation of specific skeletal muscles recorded as Motor-Evoked Potentials (MEPs) through electromyography. Although various methodologies assess cortical excitability with TMS, measuring MEP amplitudes offers a straightforward approach, especially when comparing excitability states pre- and post-interventions designed to alter cortical excitability. Despite TMS's widespread use, the absence of a standardized procedure for such measurements in existing literature hinders the comparison of results across different studies. This paper proposes a standardized procedure for assessing changes in motor cortical excitability using single-pulse TMS pre- and post-intervention. The recommended approach utilizes an intensity equating to half of the MEP's maximum amplitude, thereby ensuring equal likelihood of amplitude increase or decrease, providing a consistent basis for future studies and facilitating meaningful comparisons of results.•A method for assessing changes in motor cortical excitability using single-pulse TMS before and after a specified intervention.•We recommend using an intensity equal to half of the MEP's maximum amplitude during evaluations to objectively assess motor cortical excitability changes post-intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Ortega-Robles
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento y Sueño, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Jessica Cantillo-Negrete
- División de Investigación en Neurociencias Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Ruben I. Carino-Escobar
- División de Investigación en Neurociencias Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Oscar Arias-Carrión
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento y Sueño, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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5
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Power KE, Lockyer EJ, Botter A, Vieira T, Button DC. Endurance-exercise training adaptations in spinal motoneurones: potential functional relevance to locomotor output and assessment in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1367-1381. [PMID: 35226169 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04918-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is clear from non-human animal work that spinal motoneurones undergo endurance training (chronic) and locomotor (acute) related changes in their electrical properties and thus their ability to fire action potentials in response to synaptic input. The functional implications of these changes, however, are speculative. In humans, data suggests that similar chronic and acute changes in motoneurone excitability may occur, though the work is limited due to technical constraints. To examine the potential influence of chronic changes in human motoneurone excitability on the acute changes that occur during locomotor output, we must develop more sophisticated recording techniques or adapt our current methods. In this review, we briefly discuss chronic and acute changes in motoneurone excitability arising from non-human and human work. We then discuss the potential interaction effects of chronic and acute changes in motoneurone excitability and the potential impact on locomotor output. Finally, we discuss the use of high-density surface electromyogram recordings to examine human motor unit firing patterns and thus, indirectly, motoneurone excitability. The assessment of single motor units from high-density recording is mainly limited to tonic motor outputs and minimally dynamic motor output such as postural sway. Adapting this technology for use during locomotor outputs would allow us to gain a better understanding of the potential functional implications of endurance training-induced changes in human motoneurone excitability on motor output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Power
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada. .,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Evan J Lockyer
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Alberto Botter
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System (LISiN), Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.,PoliToBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Taian Vieira
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System (LISiN), Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.,PoliToBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Duane C Button
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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6
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Lockyer EJ, Compton CT, Forman DA, Pearcey GE, Button DC, Power KE. Moving forward: methodological considerations for assessing corticospinal excitability during rhythmic motor output in humans. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:181-194. [PMID: 34133230 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00027.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess the excitability of the central nervous system to further understand the neural control of human movement is expansive. The majority of the work performed to-date has assessed corticospinal excitability either at rest or during relatively simple isometric contractions. The results from this work are not easily extrapolated to rhythmic, dynamic motor outputs, given that corticospinal excitability is task-, phase-, intensity-, direction-, and muscle-dependent (Power KE, Lockyer EJ, Forman DA, Button DC. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 43: 1176-1185, 2018). Assessing corticospinal excitability during rhythmic motor output, however, involves technical challenges that are to be overcome, or at the minimum considered, when attempting to design experiments and interpret the physiological relevance of the results. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the research examining corticospinal excitability during a rhythmic motor output and, importantly, to provide recommendations regarding the many factors that must be considered when designing and interpreting findings from studies that involve limb movement. To do so, the majority of work described herein refers to work performed using arm cycling (arm pedaling or arm cranking) as a model of a rhythmic motor output used to examine the neural control of human locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Lockyer
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Chris T Compton
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Davis A Forman
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory E Pearcey
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Duane C Button
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Kevin E Power
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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7
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Proessl F, Beckner ME, Sinnott AM, Eagle SR, LaGoy AD, Conkright WR, Canino MC, Sterczala AJ, Midhe Ramkumar PP, Sciavolino BM, Connaboy C, Ferrarelli F, Germain A, Nindl BC, Flanagan SD. Reliability of corticospinal excitability estimates for the vastus lateralis: Practical considerations for lower limb TMS task selection. Brain Res 2021; 1761:147395. [PMID: 33662340 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is increasingly used to examine lower extremity corticospinal excitability (CSE) in clinical and sports research. Because CSE is task-specific, there is growing emphasis on the use of ecological tasks. Nevertheless, the comparative reliability of CSE measurements during established (e.g. knee extensions; KE) and more recent ecological (e.g. squats; SQT) lower extremity tasks has received less attention. The aim of this study was to compare the test-retest reliability of CSE, force, and muscle activity (EMG) during isometric SQT and KE. 19 right-footed men (age: 25 ± 5 yrs) with similar fitness and body composition performed SQT (N = 7) or KE (N = 12) on two consecutive days. Force and EMG were recorded during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVC). Corticospinal excitability was determined in the dominant leg during light (15% MVC) contractions based on motor evoked potential (MEP) stimulus-response-curves (SRC). Test-retest reliability, absolute agreement, and consistency were determined for force, EMG, and SRC MEP maximum (MEPMAX) and rising phase midpoint (V50). As a secondary analysis, all outcomes were compared between groups with mixed-methods ANCOVAs (Task × Time, covariate: body-fat-percentage). Compared with SQT, KE displayed better test-retest reliability and agreement for MEPMAX whereas V50, force, and EMG were similarly reliable. Force (p = 0.01) and MEPMAX (p = 0.02) were also greater during KE despite a similar V50 (p = 0.11). Differences in test-retest reliability, absolute agreement, and between-group comparisons highlight the need to carefully select lower limb TMS assessment tasks and encourage future efforts to balance ecological validity with statistical sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Proessl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M E Beckner
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A M Sinnott
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S R Eagle
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A D LaGoy
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - W R Conkright
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M C Canino
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A J Sterczala
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - P P Midhe Ramkumar
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B M Sciavolino
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - C Connaboy
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - F Ferrarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A Germain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B C Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S D Flanagan
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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8
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Botzheim L, Laczko J, Torricelli D, Mravcsik M, Pons JL, Oliveira Barroso F. Effects of gravity and kinematic constraints on muscle synergies in arm cycling. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:1367-1381. [PMID: 33534650 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00415.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arm cycling is a bimanual motor task used in medical rehabilitation and in sports training. Understanding how muscle coordination changes across different biomechanical constraints in arm cycling is a step toward improved rehabilitation approaches. This exploratory study aims to get new insights on motor control during arm cycling. To achieve our main goal, we used the muscle synergies analysis to test three hypotheses: 1) body position with respect to gravity (sitting and supine) has an effect on muscle synergies; 2) the movement size (crank length) has an effect on the synergistic behavior; 3) the bimanual cranking mode (asynchronous and synchronous) requires different synergistic control. Thirteen able-bodied volunteers performed arm cranking on a custom-made device with unconnected cranks, which allowed testing three different conditions: body position (sitting vs. supine), crank length (10 cm vs. 15 cm), and cranking mode (synchronous vs. asynchronous). For each of the eight possible combinations, subjects cycled for 30 s while electromyography of eight muscles (four from each arm) were recorded: biceps brachii, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and posterior deltoid. Muscle synergies in this eight-dimensional muscle space were extracted by nonnegative matrix factorization. Four synergies accounted for over 90% of muscle activation variances in all conditions. Results showed that synergies were affected by body position and cranking mode but practically unaffected by movement size. These results suggest that the central nervous system may employ different motor control strategies in response to external constraints such as cranking mode and body position during arm cycling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent studies analyzed muscle synergies in lower limb cycling. Here, we examine upper limb cycling and specifically the effect of body position with respect to gravity, movement size, and cranking mode on muscle coordination during arm cranking tasks. We show that altered body position and cranking mode affects modular organization of muscle activities. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing motor control through muscle synergies framework during upper limb cycling with different constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Botzheim
- Department of Information Technology and Biorobotics, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Neurorehabilitation and Motor Control Research Group, Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Laczko
- Department of Information Technology and Biorobotics, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Neurorehabilitation and Motor Control Research Group, Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diego Torricelli
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariann Mravcsik
- Department of Information Technology and Biorobotics, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Neurorehabilitation and Motor Control Research Group, Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jose L Pons
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain.,Legs & Walking AbilityLab, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Filipe Oliveira Barroso
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Chaytor CP, Forman D, Byrne J, Loucks-Atkinson A, Power KE. Changes in muscle activity during the flexion and extension phases of arm cycling as an effect of power output are muscle-specific. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9759. [PMID: 32983635 PMCID: PMC7500348 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arm cycling is commonly used in rehabilitation settings for individuals with motor impairments in an attempt to facilitate neural plasticity, potentially leading to enhanced motor function in the affected limb(s). Studies examining the neural control of arm cycling, however, typically cycle using a set cadence and power output. Given the importance of motor output intensity, typically represented by the amplitude of electromyographic (EMG) activity, on neural excitability, surprisingly little is known about how arm muscle activity is modulated using relative workloads. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize arm muscle activity during arm cycling at different relative workloads. Participants (n = 11) first completed a 10-second maximal arm ergometry sprint to determine peak power output (PPO) followed by 11 randomized trials of 20-second arm cycling bouts ranging from 5–50% of PPO (5% increments) and a standard 25 W workload. All submaximal trials were completed at 60 rpm. Integrated EMG amplitude (iEMG) was assessed from the biceps brachii, brachioradialis, triceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis and anterior deltoid of the dominant arm. Arm cycling was separated into two phases, flexion and extension, relative to the elbow joint for all comparisons. As expected, iEMG amplitude increased during both phases of cycling for all muscles examined. With the exception of the triceps brachii and extensor carpi radialis, iEMG amplitudes differed between the flexion and extension phases. Finally, there was a linear relationship between iEMG amplitude and the %PPO for all muscles during both elbow flexion and extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla P Chaytor
- Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Davis Forman
- Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jeannette Byrne
- Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Angela Loucks-Atkinson
- Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Kevin E Power
- Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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10
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Forman DA, Forman GN, Murphy BA, Holmes MWR. Sustained Isometric Wrist Flexion and Extension Maximal Voluntary Contractions on Corticospinal Excitability to Forearm Muscles during Low-Intensity Hand-Gripping. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E445. [PMID: 32668568 PMCID: PMC7408559 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The wrist extensors demonstrate an earlier fatigue onset than the wrist flexors. However, it is currently unclear whether fatigue induces unique changes in muscle activity or corticospinal excitability between these muscle groups. The purpose of this study was to examine how sustained isometric wrist extension/flexion maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) influence muscle activity and corticospinal excitability of the forearm. Corticospinal excitability to three wrist flexors and three wrist extensors were measured using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited via transcranial magnetic stimulation. Responses were elicited while participants exerted 10% of their maximal handgrip force, before and after a sustained wrist flexion or extension MVC (performed on separate sessions). Post-fatigue measures were collected up to 10-min post-fatigue. Immediately post-fatigue, extensor muscle activity was significantly greater following the wrist flexion fatigue session, although corticospinal excitability (normalized to muscle activity) was greater on the wrist extension day. Responses were largely unchanged in the wrist flexors. However, for the flexor carpi ulnaris, normalized MEP amplitudes were significantly larger following wrist extension fatigue. These findings demonstrate that sustained isometric flexion/extension MVCs result in a complex reorganization of forearm muscle recruitment strategies during hand-gripping. Based on these findings, previously observed corticospinal behaviour following fatigue may not apply when the fatiguing task and measurement task are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis A. Forman
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada;
| | - Garrick N. Forman
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada;
| | - Bernadette A. Murphy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada;
| | - Michael W. R. Holmes
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada;
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Nippard AP, Lockyer EJ, Button DC, Power KE. Corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during forward and backward arm cycling is direction- and phase-dependent. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2020; 45:72-80. [DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2019-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during forward (FWD) and backward (BWD) arm cycling. Corticospinal and spinal excitability were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation and transmastoid electrical stimulation to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and cervicomedullary evoked potentials (CMEPs), respectively. MEPs and CMEPs were recorded from the biceps and triceps brachii during FWD and BWD arm cycling at 2 positions, 6 and 12 o’clock. The 6 o’clock position corresponded to mid-elbow flexion and extension during FWD and BWD cycling, respectively, while 12 o’clock corresponded to mid-elbow extension and flexion during FWD and BWD cycling, respectively. During the flexion phase, MEP and CMEP amplitudes of the biceps brachii were higher during FWD cycling. However, during the extension phase, MEP and CMEP amplitudes were higher during BWD cycling. For the triceps brachii, MEP amplitudes were higher during FWD cycling regardless of phase. However, CMEP amplitudes were phase-dependent. During the flexion phase, CMEPs of the triceps brachii were higher during FWD cycling compared with BWD, but during the extension phase CMEPs were higher during BWD cycling compared with FWD. The data suggest that corticospinal and spinal excitability to the biceps brachii is phase- and direction-dependent. In the triceps brachii, spinal, but not corticospinal, excitability is phase-dependent when comparing FWD and BWD cycling. Novelty This is the first study to assess corticospinal excitability during FWD and BWD locomotor output. Corticospinal excitability during arm cycling depends on the direction, phase, and muscle being assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna. P. Nippard
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Evan. J. Lockyer
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Duane. C. Button
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Kevin. E. Power
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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12
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Walsh JA, Stapley PJ, Shemmell JBH, Lepers R, McAndrew DJ. Global Corticospinal Excitability as Assessed in A Non-Exercised Upper Limb Muscle Compared Between Concentric and Eccentric Modes of Leg Cycling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19212. [PMID: 31844115 PMCID: PMC6915732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55858-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) semi-recumbent leg cycling on global corticospinal excitability (CSE), assessed through the activity of a non-exercised hand muscle. Thirteen healthy male adults completed two 30-min bouts of moderate intensity ECC and CON recumbent cycling on separate days. Power output (POutput), heart rate (HR) and cadence were monitored during cycling. Global CSE was assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in the right first dorsal interosseous muscle before (‘Pre’), interleaved (at 10 and 20 mins, t10 and t20, respectively), immediately after (post, P0), and 30-min post exercise (P30). Participants briefly stopped pedalling (no more than 60 s) while stimulation was applied at the t10 and t20 time-points of cycling. Mean POutput, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) did not differ between ECC and CON cycling and HR was significantly lower during ECC cycling (P = 0.01). Group mean MEP amplitudes were not significantly different between ECC and CON cycling at P0, t10, t20, and P30 and CON (at P > 0.05). Individual participant ratios of POutput and MEP amplitude showed large variability across the two modes of cycling, as did changes in slope of stimulus-response curves. These results suggest that compared to ‘Pre’ values, group mean CSE is not significantly affected by low-moderate intensity leg cycling in both modes. However, POutput and CSE show wide inter-participant variability which has implications for individual neural responses to CON and ECC cycling and rates of adaptation to a novel (ECC) mode. The study of CSE should therefore be analysed for each participant individually in relation to relevant physiological variables and account for familiarisation to semi-recumbent ECC leg cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A Walsh
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. .,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Paul J Stapley
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan B H Shemmell
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Neuromotor Adaptation Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Romuald Lepers
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
| | - Darryl J McAndrew
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Graduate Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Lockyer EJ, Hosel K, Nippard AP, Button DC, Power KE. Corticospinal-Evoked Responses from the Biceps Brachii during Arm Cycling across Multiple Power Outputs. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9080205. [PMID: 31430879 PMCID: PMC6721304 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9080205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We examined corticospinal and spinal excitability across multiple power outputs during arm cycling using a weak and strong stimulus intensity. Methods: We elicited motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials (CMEPs) in the biceps brachii using magnetic stimulation over the motor cortex and electrical stimulation of corticospinal axons during arm cycling at six different power outputs (i.e., 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 W) and two stimulation intensities (i.e., weak vs. strong). Results: In general, biceps brachii MEP and CMEP amplitudes (normalized to maximal M-wave (Mmax)) followed a similar pattern of modulation with increases in cycling intensity at both stimulation strengths. Specifically, MEP and CMEP amplitudes increased up until ~150 W and ~100 W when the weak and strong stimulations were used, respectively. Further increases in cycling intensity revealed no changes on MEP or CMEP amplitudes for either stimulation strength. Conclusions: In general, MEPs and CMEPs changed in a similar manner, suggesting that increases and subsequent plateaus in overall excitability are likely mediated by spinal factors. Interestingly, however, MEP amplitudes were disproportionately larger than CMEP amplitudes as power output increased, despite being initially matched in amplitude, particularly with strong stimulation. This suggests that supraspinal excitability is enhanced to a larger degree than spinal excitability as the power output of arm cycling increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Lockyer
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Katarina Hosel
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Anna P Nippard
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Duane C Button
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Kevin E Power
- Human Neurophysiology Lab, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada.
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14
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Alcock LR, Spence AJ, Lockyer EJ, Button DC, Power KE. Short-interval intracortical inhibition to the biceps brachii is present during arm cycling but is not different than a position- and intensity-matched tonic contraction. Exp Brain Res 2019; 237:2145-2154. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-019-05579-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Kennefick M, Burma JS, van Donkelaar P, McNeil CJ. The Time Course of Motoneuronal Excitability during the Preparation of Complex Movements. J Cogn Neurosci 2019; 31:781-790. [PMID: 30883285 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
For a simple RT task, movement complexity increases RT and also corticospinal excitability, as measured by the motor evoked potential (MEP) elicited by TMS of the motor cortex. However, it is unknown if complexity-related increases in corticospinal excitability during the preparation of movement are mediated at the cortical or spinal level. The purposes of this study were to establish a time course of motoneuronal excitability before prime mover activation and to assess task-dependent effects of complex movements on motoneuronal and cortical excitability in a simple RT paradigm. It was hypothesized that motoneuronal and cortical excitability would increase before prime mover activation and in response to movement complexity. In a seated position, participants completed ballistic elbow extension/flexion movements with their dominant arm to one, two, or three targets. TMS and transmastoid stimulation (TS) were delivered at 0%, 70%, 80% or 90% of mean premotor RT for each complexity level. Stimulus intensities were set to elicit MEPs and cervicomedullary MEPs (CMEPs) of ∼10% of the maximal M-wave in the triceps brachii. Compared with 0% RT, motoneuronal excitability (CMEP amplitude) was already 10% greater at 70% RT. CMEP amplitude also increased with movement complexity as both the two- and three-movement conditions had greater motoneuronal excitability than the one-movement condition (p < .038). Importantly, when normalized to the CMEP, there was no increase in MEP amplitude. This suggests that complexity-related increases in corticospinal excitability are likely to be mediated more by increased excitability at a motoneuronal than cortical level.
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Corticospinal Excitability to the Biceps Brachii is Not Different When Arm Cycling at a Self-Selected or Fixed Cadence. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9020041. [PMID: 30769825 PMCID: PMC6406314 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study compared corticospinal excitability to the biceps brachii muscle during arm cycling at a self-selected and a fixed cadence (SSC and FC, respectively). We hypothesized that corticospinal excitability would not be different between the two conditions. Methods: The SSC was initially performed and the cycling cadence was recorded every 5 s for one minute. The average cadence of the SSC cycling trial was then used as a target for the FC of cycling that the participants were instructed to maintain. The motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex were recorded from the biceps brachii during each trial of SSC and FC arm cycling. Results: Corticospinal excitability, as assessed via normalized MEP amplitudes (MEPs were made relative to a maximal compound muscle action potential), was not different between groups. Conclusions: Focusing on maintaining a fixed cadence during arm cycling does not influence corticospinal excitability, as assessed via TMS-evoked MEPs.
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