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Choi M, Kim HC, Youn I, Lee SJ, Lee JH. Use of functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify cortical loci for lower limb movements and their efficacy for individuals after stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:58. [PMID: 38627779 PMCID: PMC11020805 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01319-8] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of cortical loci for lower limb movements for stroke rehabilitation is crucial for better rehabilitation outcomes via noninvasive brain stimulation by targeting the fine-grained cortical loci of the movements. However, identification of the cortical loci for lower limb movements using functional MRI (fMRI) is challenging due to head motion and difficulty in isolating different types of movement. Therefore, we developed a custom-made MR-compatible footplate and leg cushion to identify the cortical loci for lower limb movements and conducted multivariate analysis on the fMRI data. We evaluated the validity of the identified loci using both fMRI and behavioral data, obtained from healthy participants as well as individuals after stroke. METHODS We recruited 33 healthy participants who performed four different lower limb movements (ankle dorsiflexion, ankle rotation, knee extension, and toe flexion) using our custom-built equipment while fMRI data were acquired. A subgroup of these participants (Dataset 1; n = 21) was used to identify the cortical loci associated with each lower limb movement in the paracentral lobule (PCL) using multivoxel pattern analysis and representational similarity analysis. The identified cortical loci were then evaluated using the remaining healthy participants (Dataset 2; n = 11), for whom the laterality index (LI) was calculated for each lower limb movement using the cortical loci identified for the left and right lower limbs. In addition, we acquired a dataset from 15 individuals with chronic stroke for regression analysis using the LI and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale. RESULTS The cortical loci associated with the lower limb movements were hierarchically organized in the medial wall of the PCL following the cortical homunculus. The LI was clearer using the identified cortical loci than using the PCL. The healthy participants (mean ± standard deviation: 0.12 ± 0.30; range: - 0.63 to 0.91) exhibited a higher contralateral LI than the individuals after stroke (0.07 ± 0.47; - 0.83 to 0.97). The corresponding LI scores for individuals after stroke showed a significant positive correlation with the FMA scale for paretic side movement in ankle dorsiflexion (R2 = 0.33, p = 0.025) and toe flexion (R2 = 0.37, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS The cortical loci associated with lower limb movements in the PCL identified in healthy participants were validated using independent groups of healthy participants and individuals after stroke. Our findings suggest that these cortical loci may be beneficial for the neurorehabilitation of lower limb movement in individuals after stroke, such as in developing effective rehabilitation interventions guided by the LI scores obtained for neuronal activations calculated from the identified cortical loci across the paretic and non-paretic sides of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minseok Choi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Chul Kim
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Inchan Youn
- Bionics Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Song Joo Lee
- Bionics Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Hwan Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Zuleger TM, Slutsky-Ganesh AB, Grooms DR, Yuan W, Barber Foss KD, Howell DR, Myer GD, Diekfuss JA. High magnitude exposure to repetitive head impacts alters female adolescent brain activity for lower extremity motor control. Brain Res 2024; 1828:148785. [PMID: 38272157 PMCID: PMC11110884 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148785] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Contact and collision sport participation among adolescent athletes has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of cumulative repetitive head impacts (RHIs) on brain function. Impairments from RHIs and sports-related concussions (SRC) may propagate into lingering neuromuscular control. However, the neural mechanisms that link RHIs to altered motor control processes remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to isolate changes in neural activity for a lower extremity motor control task associated with the frequency and magnitude of RHI exposure. A cohort of fifteen high school female soccer players participated in a prospective longitudinal study and underwent pre- and post-season functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During fMRI, athletes completed simultaneous bilateral ankle, knee, and hip flexion/extension movements against resistance (bilateral leg press) to characterize neural activity associated with lower extremity motor control. RHI data were binned into continuous categories between 20 g - 120 g (defined by progressively greater intervals), with the number of impacts independently modeled within the fMRI analyses. Results revealed that differential exposure to high magnitude RHIs (≥90 g - < 110 g and ≥ 110 g) was associated with acute changes in neural activity for the bilateral leg press (broadly inclusive of motor, visual, and cognitive regions; all p < 0.05 & z > 3.1). Greater exposure to high magnitude RHIs may impair lower extremity motor control through maladaptive neural mechanisms. Future work is warranted to extend these mechanistic findings and examine the linkages between RHI exposure and neural activity as it relates to subsequent neuromuscular control deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Zuleger
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; University of Cincinnati, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Alexis B Slutsky-Ganesh
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Dustin R Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Science and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Weihong Yuan
- Pediatric Neuroimaging Research Consortium, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kim D Barber Foss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David R Howell
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Gregory D Myer
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Youth Physical Development Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK; The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Jed A Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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3
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Riehm CD, Zuleger T, Diekfuss JA, Arellano E, Myer GD. The Evolution of Neuroimaging Technologies to Evaluate Neural Activity Related to Knee Pain and Injury Risk. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2024; 17:14-22. [PMID: 38109007 PMCID: PMC10766917 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-023-09877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we present recent findings and advancements in the use of neuroimaging to evaluate neural activity relative to ACL injury risk and patellofemoral pain. In particular, we describe prior work using fMRI and EEG that demonstrate the value of these techniques as well as the necessity of continued development in this area. Our goal is to support future work by providing guidance for the successful application of neuroimaging techniques that most effectively expose pain and injury mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies that utilized both fMRI and EEG indicate that athletes who are at risk for future ACL injury exhibit divergent brain activity both during active lower extremity movement and at rest. Such activity patterns are likely due to alterations to cognitive, visual, and attentional processes that manifest as coordination deficits during naturalistic movement that may result in higher risk of injury. Similarly, in individuals with PFP altered brain activity in a number of key regions is related to subjective pain judgements as well as measures of fear of movement. Although these findings may begin to allow objective pain assessment and identification, continued refinement is needed. One key limitation across both ACL and PFP related work is the restriction of movement during fMRI and EEG data collection, which drastically limits ecological validity. Given the lack of sufficient research using EEG and fMRI within a naturalistic setting, our recommendation is that researchers target the use of mobile, source localized EEG as a primary methodology for exposing neural mechanisms of ACL injury risk and PFP. Our contention is that this method provides an optimal balance of spatial and temporal resolution with ecological validity via naturalistic movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Riehm
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), 4450 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA, 30542, USA.
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Taylor Zuleger
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), 4450 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA, 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jed A Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), 4450 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA, 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emilio Arellano
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory D Myer
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), 4450 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA, 30542, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Youth Physical Development Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA
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4
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Zuleger TM, Slutsky-Ganesh AB, Anand M, Kim H, Warren SM, Grooms DR, Foss KDB, Riley MA, Yuan W, Gore RK, Myer GD, Diekfuss JA. The effects of sports-related concussion history on female adolescent brain activity and connectivity for bilateral lower extremity knee motor control. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14314. [PMID: 37114838 PMCID: PMC10523876 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Sports-related concussions (SRCs) are associated with neuromuscular control deficits in athletes following return to play. However, the connection between SRC and potentially disrupted neural regulation of lower extremity motor control has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate brain activity and connectivity during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) lower extremity motor control task (bilateral leg press) in female adolescent athletes with a history of SRC. Nineteen female adolescent athletes with a history of SRC and nineteen uninjured (without a history of SRC) age- and sport-matched control athletes participated in this study. Athletes with a history of SRC exhibited less neural activity in the left inferior parietal lobule/supramarginal gyrus (IPL) during the bilateral leg press compared to matched controls. Based upon signal change detected in the brain activity analysis, a 6 mm region of interest (seed) was defined to perform secondary connectivity analyses using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses. During the motor control task, the left IPL (seed) was significantly connected to the right posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus cortex and right IPL for athletes with a history of SRC. The left IPL was significantly connected to the left primary motor cortex (M1) and primary somatosensory cortex (S1), right inferior temporal gyrus, and right S1 for matched controls. Altered neural activity in brain regions important for sensorimotor integration and motor attention, combined with unique connectivity to regions responsible for attentional, cognitive, and proprioceptive processing, indicate compensatory neural mechanisms may underlie the lingering neuromuscular control deficits associated with SRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M. Zuleger
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- University of Cincinnati, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alexis B. Slutsky-Ganesh
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Manish Anand
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, TN, India
| | - HoWon Kim
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Shayla M. Warren
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dustin R. Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Science and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Kim D. Barber Foss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael A. Riley
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, & Nutrition Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Weihong Yuan
- Pediatric Neuroimaging Research Consortium, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Russell K. Gore
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Jed A. Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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5
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Slutsky-Ganesh AB, Anand M, Diekfuss JA, Myer GD, Grooms DR. Lower extremity Interlimb coordination associated brain activity in young female athletes: A biomechanically instrumented neuroimaging study. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14221. [PMID: 36416574 PMCID: PMC10038871 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Bilateral sensorimotor coordination is required for everyday activities, such as walking and sitting down/standing up from a chair. Sensorimotor coordination functional neuroimaging (fMRI) paradigms (e.g., stepping, cycling) increase activity in the sensorimotor cortex, supplementary motor area, insula, and cerebellum. Although these paradigms are designed to assay coordination, performance measures are rarely collected simultaneously with fMRI. Therefore, we aimed to identify neural correlates of lower extremity coordination using a bilateral, in-phase, multi-joint coordination task with concurrent MRI-compatible 3D motion analysis. Seventeen female athletes (15.0 ± 1.4 years) completed a bilateral, multi-joint lower-extremity coordination task during brain fMRI. Interlimb coordination was quantified from kinematic data as the correlation between peak-to-peak knee flexion cycle time between legs. Standard preprocessing and whole-brain analyses for task-based fMRI were completed in FSL, controlling for total movement cycles and neuroanatomical differences, with interlimb coordination as a covariate of interest. A clusterwise multi-comparison correction was applied at z > 3.1 and p < .05. Less interlimb coordination during the task was associated with greater activation in the posterior cingulate and precuneus (zmax = 6.41, p < .01) and the lateral occipital cortex (zmax = 7.55, p = .02). The inability to maintain interlimb coordination alongside greater activity in attention- and sensory-related brain regions may indicate a failed compensatory neural strategy to execute the task. Alternatively, greater activity could be secondary to reduced afferent acuity that may be elevating central demand to maintain in-phase lower extremity motor coordination. Future research aiming to improve sensorimotor coordination should consider interventional approaches uniquely capable of promoting adaptive neuroplasticity to enhance motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis B. Slutsky-Ganesh
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Manish Anand
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jed. A. Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Dustin R. Grooms
- School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Qi S, Tian M, Rao Y, Sun C, Li X, Qiao J, Huang ZG. Applying transcranial magnetic stimulation to rehabilitation of poststroke lower extremity function and an improvement: Individual-target TMS. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2023; 14:e1636. [PMID: 36437474 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of disability globally in need of novel and effective methods of rehabilitation. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has been adopted as a Level B recommendation for lower limb spasticity in guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Nonetheless, the methodological differences and deficits of existing work bring about heterogenous results and therefore limit the universal clinical use of rTMS in lower extremity (LE) rehabilitation. The variation of stimulated targets across motor cortex contributes mainly to these heterogeneities. This narrative review includes studies of rTMS on LE motor function rehabilitation in patients after stroke until now. Some analyses of brain imaging and electromagnetic simulation and quantification through computational modeling were also performed. rTMS appears capable of fostering LE motor rehabilitation after stroke, but the actually stimulated targets are considerably bias making it difficult to confirm effectiveness. The main reason for this phenomenon is probably inaccurate targeting of motor cortical leg representation. An underlying updated method is proposed as Individual-Target TMS (IT-TMS) combined with brain imaging. rTMS is a promising validated method for LE function regaining. Future studies should systematically compare the effects of IT-TMS with traditional rTMS using large samples in random clinical trials. This article is categorized under: Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics & Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shaanxi Brain Modulation and Scientific Research Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tian
- National TCM Academic School Inheritance Studio Project-Chang'an Mi Shi Internal Medicine School Inheritance Studio, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Rao
- Shaanxi Brain Modulation and Scientific Research Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanzhu Sun
- Shaanxi Brain Modulation and Scientific Research Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics & Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shaanxi Brain Modulation and Scientific Research Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Qiao
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Gang Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics & Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Research Center for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,The State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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7
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Criss CR, Lepley AS, Onate JA, Simon JE, France CR, Clark BC, Grooms DR. Neural Correlates of Self-Reported Knee Function in Individuals After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Sports Health 2023; 15:52-60. [PMID: 35321615 PMCID: PMC9808834 DOI: 10.1177/19417381221079339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common knee injury among athletes and physically active adults. Despite surgical reconstruction and extensive rehabilitation, reinjuries are common and disability levels are high, even years after therapy and return to activity. Prolonged knee dysfunction may result in part from unresolved neuromuscular deficits of the surrounding joint musculature in response to injury. Indeed, "upstream" neurological adaptations occurring after injury may explain these persistent functional deficits. Despite evidence for injury consequences extending beyond the joint to the nervous system, the link between neurophysiological impairments and patient-reported measures of knee function remains unclear. HYPOTHESIS Patterns of brain activation for knee control are related to measures of patient-reported knee function in individuals after ACL reconstruction (ACL-R). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3. METHODS In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, participants with unilateral ACL-R (n = 25; 10 men, 15 women) underwent task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging testing. Participants performed repeated cycles of open-chain knee flexion/extension. Neural activation patterns during the movement task were quantified using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals. Regions of interest were generated using the Juelich Histological Brain Atlas. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to determine the relationship between mean BOLD signal within each brain region and self-reported knee function level, as measured by the International Knee Documentation Committee index. Partial correlations were also calculated after controlling for time from surgery and sex. RESULTS Patient-reported knee function was positively and moderately correlated with the ipsilateral secondary somatosensory cortex (r = 0.57, P = 0.005) and the ipsilateral supplementary motor area (r = 0.51, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Increased ipsilateral secondary sensorimotor cortical activity is related to higher perceived knee function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Central nervous system mechanisms for knee control are related to subjective levels of knee function after ACL-R. Increased neural activity may reflect central neuroplastic strategies to preserve knee functionality after traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody R. Criss
- Translational Biomedical Sciences,
Graduate College, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological
Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Cody R Criss, W283 Grover
Center, 1 Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701 (
) (Twitter: @criss_cody)
| | - Adam S. Lepley
- Exercise and Sport Science Initiative,
School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - James A. Onate
- School of Health and Rehabilitation
Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Janet E. Simon
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological
Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Division of Athletic Training, School
of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions,
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Christopher R. France
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological
Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Department of Psychology, College of
Arts and Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Brian C. Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological
Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ohio
University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Dustin R. Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological
Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Division of Athletic Training, School
of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions,
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Division of Physical Therapy, School
of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences and
Professions, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
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8
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Park-Braswell K, Grooms D, Shultz S, Raisbeck L, Rhea C, Schmitz R. Sex-Specific Brain Activations during Single-Leg Exercise. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2022; 17:1249-1258. [PMID: 36518825 PMCID: PMC9718712 DOI: 10.26603/001c.40367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Females have an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries compared to males. Sex differences in neuromuscular control has been widely studied regarding the dynamics and muscle activity during preplanned movements. While muscle activation patterns and movement biomechanics are understood to differ between sexes, it is not well understood how sex influences brain activity for lower extremity movement. Since the brain plays a vital role for voluntary movement and joint stability, it is important to understand the sex differences in brain function in order to better understand neuromuscular control associated with increased musculoskeletal injury risk in female. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the differences in brain activation patterns between sexes during a simple active knee extension-flexion movement. It was hypothesized that females would demonstrate higher cortical activation in the somatosensory areas compared to males as a compensatory strategy. Study Design Cross-Sectional Study. Methods Thirteen males and seventeen females who were healthy and physically active participated in this study (Male: 23.7±3.8 years, 74.5±13.5 kg, 172.3±6.4 cm; Female: 20.6±1.6 years, 65.4±12.8 kg, 163±6.1 cm). Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained during a simple left knee extension-flexion exercise with their own leg weight while lying on the MRI table. The blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals were compared between sexes. Results There was significantly greater activation in the visual cortices and premotor cortex in females compared to males during the studied movement. Males demonstrated significantly greater activation in the right cerebellum. Conclusion The results revealed sex differences in BOLD signal during simple knee extension-flexion movement. The results suggest that sex may be a biological factor in understanding brain activity associated with knee motor control. Level of Evidence Level 3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dustin Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute Ohio University
- Division of Physical Therapy & Division of Athletic Training, College of Health Sciences and Professions Ohio University
| | - Sandra Shultz
- Department of Kinesiology University of North Carolina at Greensboro
| | - Louisa Raisbeck
- Department of Kinesiology University of North Carolina at Greensboro
| | - Christopher Rhea
- Department of Kinesiology University of North Carolina at Greensboro
| | - Randy Schmitz
- Department of Kinesiology University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Gateway MRI Center University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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9
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Grooms DR, Diekfuss JA, Slutsky-Ganesh AB, Ellis JD, Criss CR, Thomas SM, DiCesare CA, Wong P, Anand M, Lamplot J, Simon JE, Myer GD. Preliminary Report on the Train the Brain Project, Part I: Sensorimotor Neural Correlates of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Biomechanics. J Athl Train 2022; 57:902-910. [PMID: 35271712 PMCID: PMC9842115 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0547.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Anterior cruciate ligament injury commonly occurs via noncontact motor coordination errors that result in excessive multiplanar loading during athletic movements. Preventing motor coordination errors requires neural sensorimotor integration activity to support knee-joint neuromuscular control, but the underlying neural mechanisms driving injury-risk motor control are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To evaluate brain activity differences for knee sensorimotor control between athletes with high or low injury-risk mechanics. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Of 38 female high school soccer players screened, 10 were selected for analysis based on magnetic resonance imaging compliance, injury-risk classification via 3-dimensional biomechanics during a drop vertical jump, and matching criteria to complete neuroimaging during knee motor tasks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Peak knee-abduction moment during landing was used for group allocation into the high (≥21.74 newton meters [Nm], n = 9) or low (≤10.6 Nm, n = 11) injury-risk classification (n = 11 uncategorized, n = 7 who were not compliant with magnetic resonance imaging). Ten participants (5 high risk, 5 low risk) with adequate data were matched and compared across 2 neuroimaging paradigms: unilateral knee-joint control and unilateral multijoint leg press against resistance. RESULTS Athletes with high injury-risk biomechanics had less neural activity in 1 sensory-motor cluster for isolated knee-joint control (precuneus, peak Z score = 4.14, P ≤ .01, 788 voxels) and greater brain activity for the multijoint leg press in 2 cognitive-motor clusters: the frontal cortex (peak Z score = 4.71, P < .01, 1602 voxels) and posterior cingulate gyrus (peak Z score = 4.43, P < .01, 725 voxels) relative to the low injury-risk group. CONCLUSIONS The high injury-risk group's lower relative engagement of neural sensory resources controlling the knee joint may elevate demand on cognitive motor resources to control loaded multijoint action. The neural activity profile in the high injury-risk group may manifest as a breakdown in neuromuscular coordination, resulting in elevated knee-abduction moments during landing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin R. Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens
- Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens
| | - Jed A. Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alexis B. Slutsky-Ganesh
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Cody R. Criss
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
| | | | | | | | - Manish Anand
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Joseph Lamplot
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Janet E. Simon
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Exponent, Inc, Farmington Hills, MI
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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10
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Grooms DR, Diekfuss JA, Slutsky-Ganesh AB, DiCesare CA, Bonnette S, Riley MA, Kiefer AW, Wohl TR, Criss CR, Lamplot J, Thomas SM, Foss KDB, Faigenbaum AD, Wong P, Simon JE, Myer GD. Preliminary Report on the Train the Brain Project, Part II: Neuroplasticity of Augmented Neuromuscular Training and Improved Injury-Risk Biomechanics. J Athl Train 2022; 57:911-920. [PMID: 35271709 PMCID: PMC9842124 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0548.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Neuromuscular training (NMT) facilitates the acquisition of new movement patterns that reduce the anterior cruciate ligament injury risk. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between brain activation and biomechanical changes after NMT with biofeedback. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Twenty female high school soccer athletes, with 10 in an augmented NMT group and 10 in a control (no training) group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Ten participants completed 6 weeks of NMT augmented with real-time biofeedback to reduce knee injury-risk movements, and 10 participants pursued no training. Augmented neuromuscular training (aNMT) was implemented with visual biofeedback that responded in real time to injury-risk biomechanical variables. A drop vertical jump with 3-dimensional motion capture was used to assess injury-risk neuromuscular changes before and after the 6-week intervention. Brain-activation changes were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging during unilateral knee and multijoint motor tasks. RESULTS After aNMT, sensory (precuneus), visual-spatial (lingual gyrus), and motor-planning (premotor) brain activity increased for knee-specific movement; sensorimotor cortex activity for multijoint movement decreased. The knee-abduction moment during landing also decreased (4.66 ± 5.45 newton meters; P = .02; Hedges g = 0.82) in the aNMT group but did not change in the control group (P > .05). The training-induced increased brain activity with isolated knee movement was associated with decreases in knee-abduction moment (r = 0.67; P = .036) and sensorimotor cortex activity for multijoint movement (r = 0.87; P = .001). No change in brain activity was observed in the control group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS The relationship between neural changes observed across tasks and reduced knee abduction suggests that aNMT facilitated recruitment of sensory integration centers to support reduced injury-risk mechanics and improve sensorimotor neural efficiency for multijoint control. Further research is warranted to determine if this training-related multimodal neuroplasticity enhances neuromuscular control during more complex sport-specific activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin R. Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Waltham, MA
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens
- Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens
| | - Jed A. Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alexis B. Slutsky-Ganesh
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro
| | | | - Scott Bonnette
- Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
| | - Michael A. Riley
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Adam W. Kiefer
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Timothy R. Wohl
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Waltham, MA
| | - Cody R. Criss
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Waltham, MA
| | - Joseph Lamplot
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Staci M. Thomas
- Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH
| | - Kim D. Barber Foss
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Phil Wong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Janet E. Simon
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Waltham, MA
- Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA
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11
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Preliminary brain-behavioral neural correlates of anterior cruciate ligament injury risk landing biomechanics using a novel bilateral leg press neuroimaging paradigm. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272578. [PMID: 35951584 PMCID: PMC9371272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk reduction strategies primarily focus on biomechanical factors related to frontal plane knee motion and loading. Although central nervous system processing has emerged as a contributor to injury risk, brain activity associated with the resultant ACL injury-risk biomechanics is limited. Thus, the purposes of this preliminary study were to determine the relationship between bilateral motor control brain activity and injury risk biomechanics and isolate differences in brain activity for those who demonstrate high versus low ACL injury risk. Thirty-one high school female athletes completed a novel, multi-joint leg press during brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to characterize bilateral motor control brain activity. Athletes also completed an established biomechanical assessment of ACL injury risk biomechanics within a 3D motion analysis laboratory. Knee abduction moments during landing were modelled as a covariate of interest within the fMRI analyses to identify directional relationships with brain activity and an injury-risk group classification analysis, based on established knee abduction moment cut-points. Greater landing knee abduction moments were associated with greater lingual gyrus, intracalcarine cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus activity when performing the bilateral leg press (all z > 3.1, p < .05; multiple comparison corrected). In the follow-up injury-risk classification analysis, those classified as high ACL injury-risk had greater activity in the lingual gyrus, parietal cortex and bilateral primary and secondary motor cortices relative to those classified as low ACL injury-risk (all z > 3.1, p < .05; multiple comparison corrected). In young female athletes, elevated brain activity for bilateral leg motor control in regions that integrate sensory, spatial, and attentional information were related to ACL injury-risk landing biomechanics. These data implicate crossmodal visual and proprioceptive integration brain activity and knee spatial awareness as potential neurotherapeutic targets to optimize ACL injury-risk reduction strategies.
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12
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Jordon MK, Stewart JC, Silfies SP, Beattie PF. Task-Based Functional Connectivity and Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent Activation During Within-Scanner Performance of Lumbopelvic Motor Tasks: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:816595. [PMID: 35308606 PMCID: PMC8924587 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.816595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a limited number of neuroimaging investigations into motor control of the lumbopelvic musculature. Most investigation examining motor control of the lumbopelvic musculature utilize transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and focus primarily on the motor cortex. This has resulted in a dearth of knowledge as it relates to how other regions of the brain activate during lumbopelvic movement. Additionally, task-based functional connectivity during lumbopelvic movements has not been well elucidated. Therefore, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activation and ROI-to-ROI task-based functional connectivity in 19 healthy individuals (12 female, age 29.8 ± 4.5 years) during the performance of three lumbopelvic movements: modified bilateral bridge, left unilateral bridge, and right unilateral bridge. The whole brain analysis found robust, bilateral activation within the motor regions of the brain during the bilateral bridge task, and contralateral activation of the motor regions during unilateral bridging tasks. Furthermore, the ROI-to-ROI analysis demonstrated significant connectivity of a motor network that included the supplemental motor area, bilateral precentral gyrus, and bilateral cerebellum regardless of the motor task performed. These data suggest that while whole brain activation reveals unique patterns of activation across the three tasks, functional connectivity is very similar. As motor control of the lumbopelvic area is of high interest to those studying low back pain (LBP), this study can provide a comparison for future research into potential connectivity changes that occur in individuals with LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max K. Jordon
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | | | - Sheri P. Silfies
- Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- McCausland Center for Brain Imaging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Paul F. Beattie
- Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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13
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Brain Activity During Experimental Knee Pain and Its Relationship With Kinesiophobia in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Preliminary Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation. J Sport Rehabil 2022; 31:589-598. [DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Context: The etiology of patellofemoral pain has remained elusive, potentially due to an incomplete understanding of how pain, motor control, and kinesiophobia disrupt central nervous system functioning. Objective: To directly evaluate brain activity during experimental knee pain and its relationship to kinesiophobia in patients with patellofemoral pain. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Young females clinically diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (n = 14; 14.4 [3.3] y; body mass index = 22.4 [3.8]; height = 1.61 [0.1] m; body mass = 58.4 [12.7] kg). A modified Clarke test (experimental pain condition with noxious induction via patella pressure and quadriceps contraction) was administered to the nondominant knee (to minimize limb dominance confounds) of patients during brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisition. Patients also completed a quadriceps contraction without application of external pressure (control contraction). Kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. The fMRI analyses assessed brain activation during the modified Clarke test and control contraction and assessed relationships between task-induced brain activity and kinesiophobia. Standard processing for neuroimaging and appropriate cluster-wise statistical thresholds to determine significance were applied to the fMRI data (z > 3.1, P < .05). Results: The fMRI revealed widespread neural activation in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, and cerebellum during the modified Clarke test (all zs > 4.4, all Ps < .04), whereas neural activation was localized primarily to frontal and cerebellar regions during the control contraction test (all zs > 4.4, all Ps < .01). Greater kinesiophobia was positively associated with greater activity in the cerebello-frontal network for the modified Clarke test (all zs > 5.0, all Ps < .01), but no relationships between kinesiophobia and brain activity were observed for the control contraction test (all zs < 3.1, all Ps > .05). Conclusions: Our novel experimental knee pain condition was associated with alterations in central nociceptive processing. These findings may provide novel complementary pathways for targeted restoration of patient function.
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14
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Integrated 3D motion analysis with functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging to identify neural correlates of lower extremity movement. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 355:109108. [PMID: 33705853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To better understand the neural drivers of aberrant motor control, methods are needed to identify whole brain neural correlates of isolated joints during multi-joint lower-extremity coordinated movements. This investigation aimed to identify the neural correlates of knee kinematics during a unilateral leg press task. NEW METHOD The current study utilized an MRI-compatible motion capture system in conjunction with a lower extremity unilateral leg press task during fMRI. Knee joint kinematics and brain activity were collected concurrently and averaged range of motion were modeled as covariates to determine the neural substrates of knee out-of-plane (frontal) and in-plane (sagittal) range of motion. RESULTS Increased out-of-plane (frontal) range of motion was associated with altered brain activity in regions important for attention, sensorimotor control, and sensorimotor integration (z >3.1, p < .05), but no such correlates were found with in-plane (sagittal) range of motion (z >3.1, p > .05). Comparison with Existing Method(s): Previous studies have either presented overall brain activation only, or utilized biomechanical data collected outside MRI in a standard biomechanics lab for identifying single-joint neural correlates. CONCLUSIONS The study shows promise for the MRI-compatible system to capture lower-extremity biomechanical data collected concurrently during fMRI, and the present data identified potentially unique neural drivers of aberrant biomechanics. Future research can adopt these methods for patient populations with CNS-related movement disorders to identify single-joint kinematic neural correlates that may adjunctively supplement brain-body therapeutic approaches.
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15
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Grooms DR, Criss CR, Simon JE, Haggerty AL, Wohl TR. Neural Correlates of Knee Extension and Flexion Force Control: A Kinetically-Instrumented Neuroimaging Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 14:622637. [PMID: 33613205 PMCID: PMC7890238 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.622637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The regulation of muscle force is a vital aspect of sensorimotor control, requiring intricate neural processes. While neural activity associated with upper extremity force control has been documented, extrapolation to lower extremity force control is limited. Knowledge of how the brain regulates force control for knee extension and flexion may provide insights as to how pathology or intervention impacts central control of movement. Objectives: To develop and implement a neuroimaging-compatible force control paradigm for knee extension and flexion. Methods: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safe load cell was used in a customized apparatus to quantify force (N) during neuroimaging (Philips Achieva 3T). Visual biofeedback and a target sinusoidal wave that fluctuated between 0 and 5 N was provided via an MRI-safe virtual reality display. Fifteen right leg dominant female participants (age = 20.3 ± 1.2 years, height = 1.6 ± 0.10 m, weight = 64.8 ± 6.4 kg) completed a knee extension and flexion force matching paradigm during neuroimaging. The force-matching error was calculated based on the difference between the visual target and actual performance. Brain activation patterns were calculated and associated with force-matching error and the difference between quadriceps and hamstring force-matching tasks were evaluated with a mixed-effects model (z > 3.1, p < 0.05, cluster corrected). Results: Knee extension and flexion force-matching tasks increased BOLD signal among cerebellar, sensorimotor, and visual-processing regions. Increased knee extension force-matching error was associated with greater right frontal cortex and left parietal cortex activity and reduced left lingual gyrus activity. Increased knee flexion force-matching error was associated with reduced left frontal and right parietal region activity. Knee flexion force control increased bilateral premotor, secondary somatosensory, and right anterior temporal activity relative to knee extension. The force-matching error was not statistically different between tasks. Conclusion: Lower extremity force control results in unique activation strategies depending on if engaging knee extension or flexion, with knee flexion requiring increased neural activity (BOLD signal) for the same level of force and no difference in relative error. These fMRI compatible force control paradigms allow precise behavioral quantification of motor performance concurrent with brain activity for lower extremity sensorimotor function and may serve as a method for future research to investigate how pathologies affect lower extremity neuromuscular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin R Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States.,Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States.,Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Cody R Criss
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States.,Translational Biomedical Sciences Program, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Janet E Simon
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States.,Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Adam L Haggerty
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States.,Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Grover Center, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Timothy R Wohl
- Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States.,Division of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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16
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Targeted Application of Motor Learning Theory to Leverage Youth Neuroplasticity for Enhanced Injury-Resistance and Exercise Performance: OPTIMAL PREP. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42978-020-00085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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17
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VALIDITY OF AN MRI-COMPATIBLE MOTION CAPTURE SYSTEM FOR USE WITH LOWER EXTREMITY NEUROIMAGING PARADIGMS. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2020; 15:936-946. [PMID: 33344010 DOI: 10.26603/ijspt20200936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergent linkages between musculoskeletal injury and the nervous system have increased interest to evaluate brain activity during functional movements associated with injury risk. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a sophisticated modality that can be used to study brain activity during functional sensorimotor control tasks. However, technical limitations have precluded the precise quantification of lower-extremity joint kinematics during active brain scanning. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of a new, MRI-compatible motion tracking system relative to a traditional multi-camera 3D motion capture system for measuring lower extremity joint kinematics. Methods Fifteen subjects (9 females, 6 males) performed knee flexion-extension and leg press movements against guided resistance while laying supine. Motion tracking data were collected simultaneously using the MRI-compatible and traditional multi-camera 3D motion systems. Participants' sagittal and frontal plane knee angles were calculated from data acquired by both multi-camera systems. Resultant range of angular movement in both measurement planes were compared between both systems. Instrument agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results The system demonstrated excellent validity in the sagittal plane (ICCs>0.99) and good to excellent validity in the frontal plane (0.84 < ICCs < 0.92). Mean differences between corresponding range of angular movement measurements ranged from 0.186 ° to 0.295 °. Conclusions The present data indicate that this new, MRI-compatible system is valid for measuring lower extremity movements when compared to the gold standard 3D motion analysis system. As there is growing interest regarding the neural substrates of lower extremity movement, particularly in relation to injury and pathology, this system can now be integrated into neuroimaging paradigms to investigate movement biomechanics and its relation to brain activity. Level of Evidence 3.
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18
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Can We Capitalize on Central Nervous System Plasticity in Young Athletes to Inoculate Against Injury? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42978-020-00080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Doolittle JD, Downey RJ, Imperatore JP, Dowdle LT, Lench DH, McLeod J, McCalley DM, Gregory CM, Hanlon CA. Evaluating a novel MR-compatible foot pedal device for unipedal and bipedal motion: Test-retest reliability of evoked brain activity. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:128-138. [PMID: 33089953 PMCID: PMC7721228 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a new, open‐source MR‐compatible device capable of assessing unipedal and bipedal lower extremity movement with minimal head motion and high test–retest reliability. To evaluate the prototype, 20 healthy adults participated in two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visits, separated by 2–6 months, in which they performed a visually guided dorsiflexion/plantar flexion task with their left foot, right foot, and alternating feet. Dependent measures included: evoked blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal in the motor network, head movement associated with dorsiflexion/plantar flexion, the test–retest reliability of these measurements. Left and right unipedal movement led to a significant increase in BOLD signal compared to rest in the medial portion of the right and left primary motor cortex (respectively), and the ipsilateral cerebellum (FWE corrected, p < .001). Average head motion was 0.10 ± 0.02 mm. The test–retest reliability was high for the functional MRI data (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]: >0.75) and the angular displacement of the ankle joint (ICC: 0.842). This bipedal device can robustly isolate activity in the motor network during alternating plantarflexion and dorsiflexion with minimal head movement, while providing high test–retest reliability. Ultimately, these data and open‐source building instructions will provide a new, economical tool for investigators interested in evaluating brain function resulting from lower extremity movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade D Doolittle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ryan J Downey
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Julia P Imperatore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Logan T Dowdle
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel H Lench
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John McLeod
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel M McCalley
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chris M Gregory
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Colleen A Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Anand M, Diekfuss JA, Slutsky-Ganesh AB, Bonnette S, Grooms DR, Myer GD. Graphical interface for automated management of motion artifact within fMRI acquisitions: INFOBAR. SOFTWAREX 2020; 12:100598. [PMID: 33447655 PMCID: PMC7806167 DOI: 10.1016/j.softx.2020.100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Independent Component Analysis-based Automatic Removal of Motion Artifacts (ICA-AROMA; Pruim et al., 2015) is a robust approach to remove brain activity related to head motion within functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets. However, ICA-AROMA requires command line implementation and customized code to batch process large datasets. We developed a cross-platform, open-source graphical user Interface for Batch processing fMRI datasets using ICA-AROMA (INFOBAR). INFOBAR allows a user to search directories, identify appropriate datasets, and batch execute ICA-AROMA. INFOBAR also has additional data processing options and visualization features to support all researchers interested in mitigating head motion artifact in post-processing using ICA-AROMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Anand
- The SPORT Center, Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jed A. Diekfuss
- The SPORT Center, Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center, Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Scott Bonnette
- The SPORT Center, Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dustin R. Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences & Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences & Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- The SPORT Center, Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Sport Performance and Research Center, Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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