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Hougland JR, Proessl F, Meglino N, Canino MC, Sterczala AJ, Connaboy C, Nindl BC, Flanagan SD. Agreement and Consistency of Absolute and Relative Corticospinal Stimulus-Response Curves for Upper, Lower, and Axial Musculature in Healthy Adults. J Clin Neurophysiol 2024:00004691-990000000-00164. [PMID: 39090794 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000001109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the agreement and consistency of absolute and relative stimulus-response curve (SRC) parameter estimates for upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial muscles. METHODS Thirty (15 W, age: 27.0 ± 6.3 y, height: 171.9 ± 8.9 cm, weight: 80.2 ± 19.3 kg) healthy adults completed absolute (5% to 100% stimulator output) and relative (65% to 160% motor threshold) SRCs of the first dorsal interosseous, vastus lateralis, and rectus abdominis during submaximal isometric contractions. Mean motor-evoked potential amplitudes were fit with nonlinear regression to derive MEPmax, V50, and slope. Absolute agreement and consistency were assessed with ICCs, Cronbachs alphas, and Bland-Altman plots. Independent t-tests were used to examine differences in motor threshold, physical activity, strength, and muscle activity among participants with valid and invalid SRC parameters. RESULTS Absolute and relative SRCs displayed good agreement and consistency for MEPmax and V50 but not slope. Motor thresholds were lower among participants with valid absolute SRCs for the rectus abdominis and vastus lateralis. Motor threshold, physical activity, strength, and muscle activity did not differ among those with valid and invalid parameters for all relative SRCs and absolute SRCs for the first dorsal interosseous. CONCLUSIONS Absolute and relative SRCs produce similar MEPmax and V50 estimates in the first dorsal interosseous, vastus lateralis, and rectus abdominis. The validity of absolute and relative SRC results may differ depending on individual characteristics and tested muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana R Hougland
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research and Human Performance Laboratory, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Felix Proessl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - Nicholas Meglino
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - Maria C Canino
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - Adam J Sterczala
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - Chris Connaboy
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research and Human Performance Laboratory, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Bradley C Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - Shawn D Flanagan
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research and Human Performance Laboratory, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
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2
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Rurak BK, Tan J, Rodrigues JP, Power BD, Drummond PD, Vallence AM. Cortico-cortical connectivity is influenced by levodopa in tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106518. [PMID: 38679112 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106518] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Resting tremor is the most common presenting motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). The supplementary motor area (SMA) is a main target of the basal-ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit and has direct, facilitatory connections with the primary motor cortex (M1), which is important for the execution of voluntary movement. Dopamine potentially modulates SMA and M1 activity, and both regions have been implicated in resting tremor. This study investigated SMA-M1 connectivity in individuals with PD ON and OFF dopamine medication, and whether SMA-M1 connectivity is implicated in resting tremor. Dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure SMA-M1 connectivity in PD participants ON and OFF levodopa. Resting tremor was measured using electromyography and accelerometry. Stimulating SMA inhibited M1 excitability OFF levodopa, and facilitated M1 excitability ON levodopa. ON medication, SMA-M1 facilitation was significantly associated with smaller tremor than SMA-M1 inhibition. The current findings contribute to our understanding of the neural networks involved in PD which are altered by levodopa medication and provide a neurophysiological basis for the development of interventions to treat resting tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Rurak
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J Tan
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J P Rodrigues
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Western Australia, Australia
| | - B D Power
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Western Australia, Australia; School of Medicine Fremantle, University of Notre Dame, Western Australia, Australia
| | - P D Drummond
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - A M Vallence
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Western Australia, Australia.
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3
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Suhood AY, Summers SJ, Opar DA, Astill T, An WW, Rio E, Cavaleri R. Bilateral Corticomotor Reorganization and Symptom Development in Response to Acute Unilateral Hamstring Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:1000-1011. [PMID: 37907112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.020] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that pain induces adaptations in the corticomotor representations of affected muscles. However, previous work has primarily investigated the upper limb, with few studies examining corticomotor reorganization in response to lower limb pain. This is important to consider, given the significant functional, anatomical, and neurophysiological differences between upper and lower limb musculature. Previous work has also focused on unilateral corticomotor changes in response to muscle pain, despite an abundance of literature demonstrating that unilateral pain conditions are commonly associated with bilateral motor dysfunction. For the first time, this study investigated the effect of unilateral acute hamstring pain on bilateral corticomotor organization using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping. Corticomotor outcomes (TMS maps), pain, mechanical sensitivity (pressure pain thresholds), and function (maximal voluntary contractions) were recorded from 28 healthy participants at baseline. An injection of pain-inducing hypertonic (n = 14) or pain-free isotonic (n = 14) saline was then administered to the right hamstring muscle, and pain ratings were collected every 30 seconds until pain resolution. Follow-up measures were taken immediately following pain resolution and at 25, 50, and 75 minutes post-pain resolution. Unilateral acute hamstring pain induced bilateral symptom development and changes in corticomotor reorganization. Two patterns of reorganization were observed-corticomotor facilitation and corticomotor depression. Corticomotor facilitation was associated with increased mechanical sensitivity and decreased function bilaterally (all P < .05). These effects persisted for at least 75 minutes after pain resolution. PERSPECTIVE: These findings suggest that individual patterns of corticomotor reorganization may contribute to ongoing functional deficits of either limb following acute unilateral lower limb pain. Further research is required to assess these adaptations and the possible long-term implications for rehabilitation and reinjury risk in cohorts with acute hamstring injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Y Suhood
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation Lab, School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon J Summers
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation Lab, School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David A Opar
- Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tom Astill
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation Lab, School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Winko W An
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ebonie Rio
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Victorian Institute of Sport, Albert Park, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rocco Cavaleri
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation Lab, School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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4
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Pagan JI, Harmon KK, Girts RM, MacLennan RJ, Beausejour JP, Hernandez-Sarabia JA, Coker NA, Carr JC, Ye X, DeFreitas JM, Stock MS. Sex-Specific Reliability of Lower-Limb Corticospinal Excitability and Silent Periods. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:1882-1887. [PMID: 37267320 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pagan, JI, Harmon, KK, Girts, RM, MacLennan, RJ, Beausejour, JP, Hernandez-Sarabia, JA, Coker, NA, Carr, JC, Ye, X, DeFreitas, JM, and Stock, MS. Sex-specific reliability of lower-limb corticospinal excitability and silent periods. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1882-1887, 2023-Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a research tool that has potential to provide new insights into strength training-induced adaptations. However, using TMS to study the lower limbs is challenging, and sex-specific reliability has yet to be reported. We examined the reliability of corticospinal excitability and silent periods for the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris in both sexes. Thirteen males and 14 females reported to the laboratory twice. During both trials, a double cone coil was used to deliver 20 pulses to the rectus femoris hotspot with a stimulator output of 130% of active motor threshold. Motor-evoked potential peak-to-peak amplitude, which reflects corticospinal excitability, and silent period duration were quantified. Our results offer 4 novel findings. First, corticospinal excitability and silent period demonstrated higher reliability for the females. Second, regardless of sex and muscle, the silent period was more reliable than corticospinal excitability. Third, reliability was highest for our target muscle (rectus femoris), with lower reliability for the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris, suggesting that these methods cannot be used to study coactivation. Fourth, active motor threshold showed less variability than corticospinal excitability and silent period but increased at trial 2 in females. Many of the intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent (≥0.90), although we attribute this finding to variability between subjects. Reliability of lower-limb TMS measures may be sex, muscle, and variable dependent. Our findings suggest that both males and females should be included in lower-limb TMS research, although combining data between sexes should be approached cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason I Pagan
- Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Kylie K Harmon
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Ryan M Girts
- Department of Natural and Health Sciences, Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, North Carolina
| | - Rob J MacLennan
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Jonathan P Beausejour
- Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Jesus A Hernandez-Sarabia
- Posture and Gait Neuromechanics Laboratory, California State University, Bakersfield, Bakersfield, California
| | - Nicholas A Coker
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua C Carr
- Department of Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Christian University School of Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas; and
| | - Xin Ye
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Jason M DeFreitas
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Matt S Stock
- Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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Desmons M, Theberge M, Mercier C, Massé-Alarie H. Contribution of neural circuits tested by transcranial magnetic stimulation in corticomotor control of low back muscle: a systematic review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1180816. [PMID: 37304019 PMCID: PMC10247989 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1180816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is widely used to investigate central nervous system mechanisms underlying motor control. Despite thousands of TMS studies on neurophysiological underpinnings of corticomotor control, a large majority of studies have focused on distal muscles, and little is known about axial muscles (e.g., low back muscles). Yet, differences between corticomotor control of low back and distal muscles (e.g., gross vs. fine motor control) suggest differences in the neural circuits involved. This systematic review of the literature aims at detailing the organisation and neural circuitry underlying corticomotor control of low back muscles tested with TMS in healthy humans. Methods The literature search was performed in four databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline (Ovid) and Web of science) up to May 2022. Included studies had to use TMS in combination with EMG recording of paraspinal muscles (between T12 and L5) in healthy participants. Weighted average was used to synthesise quantitative study results. Results Forty-four articles met the selection criteria. TMS studies of low back muscles provided consistent evidence of contralateral and ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (with longer ipsilateral latencies) as well as of short intracortical inhibition/facilitation. However, few or no studies using other paired pulse protocols were found (e.g., long intracortical inhibition, interhemispheric inhibition). In addition, no study explored the interaction between different cortical areas using dual TMS coil protocol (e.g., between primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area). Discussion Corticomotor control of low back muscles are distinct from hand muscles. Our main findings suggest: (i) bilateral projections from each single primary motor cortex, for which contralateral and ipsilateral tracts are probably of different nature (contra: monosynaptic; ipsi: oligo/polysynaptic) and (ii) the presence of intracortical inhibitory and excitatory circuits in M1 influencing the excitability of the contralateral corticospinal cells projecting to low back muscles. Understanding of these mechanisms are important for improving the understanding of neuromuscular function of low back muscles and to improve the management of clinical populations (e.g., low back pain, stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaël Desmons
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Rehabilitation Department, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Theberge
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Mercier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Rehabilitation Department, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Hugo Massé-Alarie
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Rehabilitation Department, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
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6
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Therrien-Blanchet JM, Ferland MC, Badri M, Rousseau MA, Merabtine A, Boucher E, Hofmann LH, Lepage JF, Théoret H. The neurophysiological aftereffects of brain stimulation in human primary motor cortex: a Sham-controlled comparison of three protocols. Cereb Cortex 2023:7030623. [PMID: 36749004 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad021] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paired associative stimulation (PAS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are non-invasive brain stimulation methods that are used to modulate cortical excitability. Whether one technique is superior to the others in achieving this outcome and whether individuals that respond to one intervention are more likely to respond to another remains largely unknown. In the present study, the neurophysiological aftereffects of three excitatory neurostimulation protocols were measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Twenty minutes of PAS at an ISI of 25 ms, anodal tDCS, 20-Hz tACS, and Sham stimulation were administered to 31 healthy adults in a repeated measures design. Compared with Sham, none of the stimulation protocols significantly modulated corticospinal excitability (input/ouput curve and slope, TMS stimulator intensity required to elicit MEPs of 1-mV amplitude) or intracortical excitability (short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, cortical silent period). Sham-corrected responder analysis estimates showed that an average of 41 (PAS), 39 (tDCS), and 39% (tACS) of participants responded to the interventions with an increase in corticospinal excitability. The present data show that three stimulation protocols believed to increase cortical excitability are associated with highly heterogenous and variable aftereffects that may explain a lack of significant group effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meriem Badri
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Amira Merabtine
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Emelie Boucher
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Lydia Helena Hofmann
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-François Lepage
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Hugo Théoret
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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7
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Paired corticomotoneuronal stimulation of the preactivated ankle dorsiflexor: an open-label study of magnetic and electrical painless protocols. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:629-647. [PMID: 36637488 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06534-0] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Paired corticomotoneuronal stimulation (or electrical PCMS: ePCMS) is the repetitive pairing of an electrical stimulus to a nerve with a transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (TMS-of-M1) to noninvasively influence spinal plasticity. We compared ePCMS with the new painless PCMS protocol pairing a magnetic stimulus to the nerve with TMS-of-M1 (mPCMS) in the preactivated tibial anterior muscle (TA). Sixteen healthy adults participated in two sessions (mPCMS, ePCMS), each with 180 pairs of [low-intensity TMS-of-M1 + nerve stimulation] at 0.2 Hz. TA motor-evoked potentials (MEP) to single-pulse TMS at pre-PCMS, immediately and 30 min after PCMS, were cluster-analyzed to discriminate responders and non-responders. Paired-pulse TMS-of-M1 and F-waves were also tested and BDNF polymorphism influence was explored. Both PCMS protocols significantly increased MEP amplitudes (n = 9 responders each), but the time-course differed with mPCMS inducing larger MEP increase over time. The number of BDNF-methionine carriers tended to be larger than Val66Val in mPCMS and the reverse in ePCMS, thus warranting further investigations. The MEP changes of the preactivated TA likely occurred at the pre-motoneuronal level and larger mPCMS after-effects over time may be related to the afferents recruited. mPCMS seems relevant to be tested in future studies as a painless noninvasive approach to induce sustained pre-motoneuronal plasticity in spinal cord injury.
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8
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Dambreville C, Neige C, Mercier C, Blanchette AK, Bouyer LJ. Corticospinal Excitability Quantification During a Visually-Guided Precision Walking Task in Humans: Potential for Neurorehabilitation. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2022; 36:689-700. [PMID: 36125038 DOI: 10.1177/15459683221124909] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The corticospinal tract has been shown to be involved in normal walking in humans. However, its contribution during more challenging locomotor tasks is still unclear. As the corticospinal tract can be a potential target to promote gait recovery after neurological injury, it is of primary importance to quantify its use during human walking. The aims of the current study were to: (1) quantify the effects of precision walking on corticospinal excitability as compared to normal walking; (2) assess if corticospinal modulation is related to task difficulty or participants' performance. Sixteen healthy participants walked on a treadmill during 2 tasks: regular walking (simple task) and stepping onto virtual targets (precision task). Virtual targets appeared randomly at 3 different step lengths: preferred, and ±20%. To assess corticospinal excitability, 25 motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle in each task during walking. Performance for each participant (global success score; % of target hit) and task difficulty related to step length adjustments (success score for each step length) were also calculated. MEP size was larger during the precision task in all participants (mean increase of 93% ± 72%; P < .05) compared to the simple task. There was a correlation between MEP facilitation and individual performance (r = -.64; P < .05), but no difference in MEP size associated with task difficulty (P > .05). In conclusion, corticospinal excitability exhibits a large increase during the precision task. This effect needs to be confirmed in neurological populations to potentially provide a simple and non-invasive approach to increase corticospinal drive during gait rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Dambreville
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Cécilia Neige
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,PsyR2 Team, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR5292, Lyon Neurosciences Research Center, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Catherine Mercier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Andreanne K Blanchette
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laurent J Bouyer
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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9
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Proessl F, Canino MC, Beckner ME, Conkright WR, LaGoy AD, Sinnott AM, Eagle SR, Martin BJ, Sterczala AJ, Roma PG, Dretsch MN, Mi Q, Ferrarelli F, Germain A, Connaboy C, Nindl BC, Flanagan SD. Use-dependent corticospinal excitability is associated with resilience and physical performance during simulated military operational stress. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 132:187-198. [PMID: 34855522 PMCID: PMC8791840 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00628.2021] [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: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simulated military operational stress (SMOS) provides a useful model to better understand resilience in humans as the stress associated with caloric restriction, sleep deficits, and fatiguing exertion degrades physical and cognitive performance. Habitual physical activity may confer resilience against these stressors by promoting favorable use-dependent neuroplasticity, but it is unclear how physical activity, resilience, and corticospinal excitability (CSE) relate during SMOS. To examine associations between corticospinal excitability, physical activity, and physical performance during SMOS. Fifty-three service members (age: 26 ± 5 yr, 13 women) completed a 5-day and -night intervention composed of familiarization, baseline, SMOS (2 nights/days), and recovery days. During SMOS, participants performed rigorous physical and cognitive activities while receiving half of normal sleep (two 2-h blocks) and caloric requirements. Lower and upper limb CSE were determined with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) stimulus-response curves. Self-reported resilience, physical activity, military-specific physical performance (TMT), and endocrine factors were compared in individuals with high (HIGH) and low CSE based on a median split of lower limb CSE at baseline. HIGH had greater physical activity and better TMT performance throughout SMOS. Both groups maintained physical performance despite substantial psychophysiological stress. Physical activity, resilience, and TMT performance were directly associated with lower limb CSE. Individual differences in physical activity coincide with lower (but not upper) limb CSE. Such use-dependent corticospinal excitability directly relates to resilience and physical performance during SMOS. Future studies may use noninvasive neuromodulation to clarify the interplay among CSE, physical activity, and resilience and improve physical and cognitive performance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that individual differences in physical activity levels coincide with lower limb corticospinal excitability. Such use-dependent corticospinal excitability directly relates to resilience and physical performance during a 5-day simulation of military operational stress with caloric restriction, sleep restriction and disruption, and heavy physical and cognitive exertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Proessl
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - M. C. Canino
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - M. E. Beckner
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - W. R. Conkright
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - A. D. LaGoy
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,4Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - A. M. Sinnott
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - S. R. Eagle
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - B. J. Martin
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - A. J. Sterczala
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - P. G. Roma
- 2Behavioral Health & Performance Laboratory, Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center/KBR, Houston, Texas
| | - M. N. Dretsch
- 3U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-West, Walter Reed
Army Institute of Research, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
| | - Qi Mi
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - F. Ferrarelli
- 4Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - A. Germain
- 4Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - C. Connaboy
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - B. C. Nindl
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - S. D. Flanagan
- 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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10
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A single- and paired-pulse TMS-EEG investigation of the N100 and long interval cortical inhibition in autism spectrum disorder. Brain Stimul 2021; 15:229-232. [PMID: 34973461 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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11
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Rurak BK, Rodrigues JP, Power BD, Drummond PD, Vallence AM. Test Re-test Reliability of Dual-site TMS Measures of SMA-M1 Connectivity Differs Across Inter-stimulus Intervals in Younger and Older Adults. Neuroscience 2021; 472:11-24. [PMID: 34333064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising tool to measure supplementary motor area and primary motor cortex (SMA-M1) connectivity in younger and older adults, and could be used to understand the pathophysiology of movement disorders. However, test re-test reliability of dual-site TMS measures of SMA-M1 connectivity has not been established. We examined the reliability of SMA-M1 connectivity using dual-site TMS in two sessions in 30 younger and 30 older adults. For dual-site TMS, a conditioning pulse delivered to SMA (140% of active motor threshold) preceded a test pulse delivered to M1 (intensity that elicited MEPs of ~1 mV) by inter-stimulus intervals (ISI) of 6 ms, 7 ms, and 8 ms. Moderate intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were found for SMA-M1 connectivity at an ISI of 7 ms in younger (ICC: 0.69) and older adults (ICC: 0.68). Poor ICCs were found for SMA-M1 connectivity at ISIs of 6 ms and 8 ms in both age groups (ICC range: 0.01-0.40). We report evidence for stable measures of SMA-M1 connectivity at an ISI of 7 ms in both age groups. These findings are foundational for future research developing evidence-based interventions to strengthen SMA-M1 connectivity to improve bilateral motor control in older adults and populations with movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Rurak
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia.
| | | | - B D Power
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Australia; School of Medicine Fremantle, University of Notre Dame, Australia
| | - P D Drummond
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia
| | - A M Vallence
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch 6150, Australia
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12
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Nicolini C, Fahnestock M, Gibala MJ, Nelson AJ. Understanding the Neurophysiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity in Cortical and Descending Motor Pathways: Where Do We Stand? Neuroscience 2020; 457:259-282. [PMID: 33359477 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is a promising, cost-effective intervention to augment successful aging and neurorehabilitation. Decline of gray and white matter accompanies physiological aging and contributes to motor deficits in older adults. Exercise is believed to reduce atrophy within the motor system and induce neuroplasticity which, in turn, helps preserve motor function during aging and promote re-learning of motor skills, for example after stroke. To fully exploit the benefits of exercise, it is crucial to gain a greater understanding of the neurophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced brain changes that prime neuroplasticity and thus contribute to postponing, slowing, and ameliorating age- and disease-related impairments in motor function. This knowledge will allow us to develop more effective, personalized exercise protocols that meet individual needs, thereby increasing the utility of exercise strategies in clinical and non-clinical settings. Here, we review findings from studies that investigated neurophysiological and molecular changes associated with acute or long-term exercise in healthy, young adults and in healthy, postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolini
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Martin J Gibala
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Aimee J Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Pellegrini M, Zoghi M, Jaberzadeh S. Genetic Polymorphisms Do Not Predict Interindividual Variability to Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex. Brain Connect 2020; 11:56-72. [PMID: 33198509 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.0762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: High variability between individuals (i.e., interindividual variability) in response to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a commonly reported issue in the tDCS literature in recent years. Inherent genetic differences between individuals have been proposed as a contributing factor to observed response variability. This study investigated whether tDCS interindividual variability was genetically mediated. Methods: A large sample size of 61 healthy males received cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS) and sham-tDCS of the primary motor cortex at 1 mA and 10 min via 6 × 4 cm active and 7 × 5 cm return electrodes. Corticospinal excitability (CSE) was assessed via 25 single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). Intracortical inhibition was assessed via twenty-five 3 msec interstimulus interval (ISI) paired-pulse MEPs, known as short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI). Intracortical facilitation (ICF) was assessed via twenty-five 10 msec ISI paired-pulse MEPs. Gene variants encoding for excitatory and inhibitory neuroreceptors were determined via saliva samples. Predetermined thresholds and statistical cluster analyses were used to subgroup individuals. Results: Two distinct subgroups were identified, "responders" reducing CSE following c-tDCS and "nonresponders" showing no reduction or even increase in CSE. Differences in CSE between responders and nonresponders following c-tDCS were not explained by changes in SICI or ICF. Conclusions: No significant relationships were reported between gene variants and interindividual variability to c-tDCS, suggesting that the chosen gene variants did not influence the activity of the neuroreceptors involved in eliciting changes in CSE in responders following c-tDCS. In this largest c-tDCS study of its kind, novel insights were reported into the contribution genetic factors may play in observed interindividual variability to c-tDCS. Impact statement This study adds insight into the issue of interindividual variability to c-tDCS. It highlights not all individuals respond to c-tDCS similarly when exposed to the same stimulus parameters. This disparity in response to c-tDCS between individuals does not appear to be genetically mediated. For c-tDCS to progress to large-scale clinical application, reliability, predictability and reproducibility are essential. Systematically investigating factors contributing to interindividual variability take steps towards this progress the c-tDCS field towards the potential development of screening tools to determine clinical suitability to c-tDCS to ensure its application in those who may benefit the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pellegrini
- Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, School of Allied Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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