Modulation of plasticity in human motor cortex after forearm ischemic nerve block

Blood flow modulation to improve motor and neurophysiological outcomes in individuals with stroke: a scoping review

Ischemic Conditioning (IC) is a procedure involving brief periods of occlusion followed by reperfusion in stationary limbs. Blood Flow Restriction with Exercise (BFR-E) is a technique comprising blood flow restriction during aerobic or resistance exercise. Both IC and BFR-E are Blood Flow Modulation (BFM) strategies that have shown promise across various health domains and are clinically relevant for stroke rehabilitation. Despite their potential benefits, our knowledge on the application and efficacy of either intervention in stroke is limited. This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the impact of IC and BFR-E on motor and neurophysiological outcomes in individuals post-stroke. Evidence from five studies displayed enhancements in paretic leg strength, gait speed, and paretic leg fatiguability after IC. Additionally, BFR-E led to improvements in clinical performance, gait parameters, and serum lactate levels. While trends toward motor function improvement were observed post-intervention, statistically significant differences were limited. Neurophysiological changes showed inconclusive results. Our review suggests that IC and BFR-E are promising clinical approaches in stroke, however high-quality studies focusing on neurophysiological mechanisms are required to establish the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of both in stroke. Recommendations regarding future directions and clinical utility are provided.

Preoperative nTMS analysis: a sensitive tool to detect imminent motor deficits in brain tumor patients

BACKGROUND

One of the challenges in surgery of tumors in motor eloquent areas is the individual risk assessment for postoperative motor disorder. Previously a regression model was developed that permits estimation of the risk prior to surgery based on topographical and neurophysiological data derived from investigation with nTMS (navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). This study aims to analyze the impact of including additional neurophysiological TMS parameters into the established risk stratification model for motor outcome after brain tumor surgery.

METHODS

Biometric and clinical data of 170 patients with glioma in motor eloquent areas were collected prospectively. In addition, the following nTMS parameters were collected bihemispherically prior to surgery: resting motor threshold (RMT), recruitment curve (RC), cortical silent period (CSP) and a nTMS based fibertracking to measure the tumor tract distance (TTD). Motor function was quantified by Medical Research Council Scale (MRCS) preoperatively, seven days and three months postoperatively. Association between nTMS parameters and postoperative motor outcome was investigated in bivariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

The bivariate analysis confirmed the association of RMT ratio with the postoperative motor outcome after seven days with higher rates of worsening in patients with RMT ratio > 1.1 compared to patients with RMT ratio ≤ 1.1 (31.6% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.009). Similarly, an association between a pathological CSP ratio and a higher risk of new postoperative motor deficits after seven days was observed (35.3% vs. 16.7% worsening, p = 0.025). A pathological RC Ratio was associated postoperative deterioration of motor function after three months (42.9% vs. 16.2% worsening, p = 0.004). In multiple regression analysis, none of these associations were statistically robust.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results suggest that the RC ratio, CSP ratio and RMT ratio individually are sensitive markers associated with the motor outcome 7 days and 3 months after tumor resection in a presumed motor eloquent location. They can therefore supply valuable information during preoperative risk-benefit-balancing. However, underlying neurophysiological mechanisms might be too similar to make the parameters meaningful in a combined model.

Spatial sensorimotor mismatch between the motor command and somatosensory feedback decreases motor cortical excitability. A transcranial magnetic stimulation-virtual reality study

Effective control of movement predominantly depends on the exchange and integration between sensory feedback received by our body and motor command. However, the precise mechanisms governing the adaptation of the motor system's response to altered somatosensory signals (i.e., discrepancies between an action performed and feedback received) following movement execution remain largely unclear. In order to address these questions, we developed a unique paradigm using virtual reality (VR) technology. This paradigm can induce spatial incongruence between the motor commands executed by a body district (i.e., moving the right hand) and the resulting somatosensory feedback received (i.e., feeling touch on the left ankle). We measured functional sensorimotor plasticity in 17 participants by assessing the effector's motor cortical excitability (right hand) before and after a 10-min VR task. The results revealed a decrease in motor cortical excitability of the movement effector following exposure to a 10-min conflict between the motor output and the somatosensory input, in comparison to the control condition where spatial congruence between the moved body part and the area of the body that received the feedback was maintained. This finding provides valuable insights into the functional plasticity resulting from spatial sensorimotor conflict arising from the discrepancy between the anticipated and received somatosensory feedback following movement execution. The cortical reorganization observed can be attributed to functional plasticity mechanisms within the sensorimotor cortex that are related to establishing a new connection between somatosensory input and motor output, guided by temporal binding and the Hebbian plasticity rule.

Exercise-induced cortical disinhibition mediates the relationship between fitness and memory in older adults

Regular exercise benefits learning and memory in older adults, but the neural mechanisms mediating these effects remain unclear. Evidence in young adults indicates that acute exercise creates a favourable environment for synaptic plasticity by enhancing cortical disinhibition. As such, we investigated whether plasticity-related disinhibition mediated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and memory function in healthy older adults (n = 16, mean age = 66.06). Participants completed a graded maximal exercise test and assessments of visual and verbal memory, followed by two counterbalanced sessions involving 20 min of either high-intensity interval training exercise or rest. Disinhibition was measured following intermittent theta burst stimulation via paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. In line with our hypotheses, we observed a positive correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and verbal memory, which was mediated by plasticity-related cortical disinhibition. Our novel finding implicates cortical disinhibition as a mechanism through which the effects of acute bouts of exercise may translate to improved memory in older adults. This finding extends current understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the positive influence of cardiorespiratory fitness for memory function in older adults, and further highlights the importance of promoting exercise engagement to maintain cognitive health in later life. KEY POINTS: There are well established benefits of regular exercise for memory function in older adults, but the mechanisms are unclear. Cortical disinhibition is important for laying down new memories, and is enhanced following acute exercise in young adults, suggesting it is a potential mechanism underlying these benefits in ageing. Older adults completed a fitness test and assessments of memory, followed by two sessions involving either 20 min of exercise or rest. Disinhibition was measured following intermittent theta burst stimulation via paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with memory performance. Higher fitness was associated with enhanced cortical disinhibition following acute exercise. Cortical disinhibition completely mediated the relationship between fitness and memory. This novel finding provides a mechanistic account for the positive influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on memory in later life, and emphasises the importance of regular exercise for cognitive health in older populations.

Mapping Motor Neuroplasticity after Successful Surgical Brachial Plexus Reconstruction Using Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS)

Brachial plexus reconstruction (BPR) consists of the complex surgical restoration of nerve structures. To further understand the underlying motor cortex changes and evaluate neuroplasticity after a successful surgery, we performed a navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) study mapping the postoperative motor representation of the formerly plegic arm. We conducted a prospective nTMS study mapping the musculocutaneous nerve as a representative, prominent target of BPR including a patient (n = 8) and a control group (n = 10). Measurements like resting motor threshold (RMT), cortical motor area location, and size were taken. Mathematical analysis was performed using MATLAB 2022, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26, and nTMS mapping was performed using the Nexstim NBS 5.1 system. Mapping was feasible in seven out of eight patients. Median RMT on the affected hemisphere was 41% compared to 50% on the unaffected hemisphere and they were 37% and 36% on the left and right hemispheres of the control group. The motor area location showed a relocation of bicep brachii representation at the middle precentral gyrus of the corresponding contralateral hemisphere. Motor area size was increased compared to the control group and the patient's unaffected, ipsilateral hemisphere. Understanding cortical reorganization is important for potential future treatments like therapeutic nTMS. The issue of motor neuroplasticity in patients with brachial plexus lesions is worth exploring in further studies.

Feasibility and usability of a virtual-reality-based sensorimotor activation apparatus for carpal tunnel syndrome patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the usability of a virtual reality-assisted sensorimotor activation (VRSMA) apparatus for individual digit rehabilitation. The study had two main objectives: Firstly, to collect preliminary data on the expectations and preferences of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) regarding virtual reality (VR) and an apparatus-assisted therapy for their affected digits. Secondly, to evaluate the usability of the VRSMA apparatus that was developed.

METHODS

The VRSMA system consists of an apparatus that provides sensory and motor stimulation via a vibratory motor and pressure sensor attached to a button, and a virtual reality-based visual cue provided by texts overlaid on top of a 3D model of a hand. The study involved 10 CTS patients who completed five blocks of VRSMA with their affected hand, with each block corresponding to the five digits. The patients were asked to complete a user expectations questionnaire before experiencing the VRSMA, and a user evaluation questionnaire after completing the VRSMA. Expectations for VRSMA were obtained from the questionnaire results using a House of Quality (HoQ) analysis.

RESULTS

In the survey for expectations, participants rated certain attributes as important for a rehabilitation device for CTS, with mean ratings above 4 for attributes such as ease of use, ease of understanding, motivation, and improvement of hand function based on clinical evidence. The level of immersion and an interesting rehabilitation regime received lower ratings, with mean ratings above 3.5. The survey evaluating VRSMA showed that the current prototype was overall satisfactory with a mean rating of 3.9 out of 5. Based on the HoQ matrix, the highest priority for development of the VRSMA was to enhance device comfort and usage time. This was followed by the need to perform more clinical studies to provide evidence of the efficacy of the VRSMA. Other technical characteristics, such as VRSMA content and device reliability, had lower priority scores.

CONCLUSION

The current study presents a potential for an individual digit sensorimotor rehabilitation device that is well-liked by CTS patients.

Plasticity of face-hand sensorimotor circuits after a traumatic brachial plexus injury

Background

Interactions between the somatosensory and motor cortices are of fundamental importance for motor control. Although physically distant, face and hand representations are side by side in the sensorimotor cortex and interact functionally. Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) interferes with upper limb sensorimotor function, causes bilateral cortical reorganization, and is associated with chronic pain. Thus, TBPI may affect sensorimotor interactions between face and hand representations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in hand-hand and face-hand sensorimotor integration in TBPI patients using an afferent inhibition (AI) paradigm.

Method

The experimental design consisted of electrical stimulation (ES) applied to the hand or face followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor cortex to activate a hand muscle representation. In the AI paradigm, the motor evoked potential (MEP) in a target muscle is significantly reduced when preceded by an ES at short-latency (SAI) or long-latency (LAI) interstimulus intervals. We tested 18 healthy adults (control group, CG), evaluated on the dominant upper limb, and nine TBPI patients, evaluated on the injured or the uninjured limb. A detailed clinical evaluation complemented the physiological investigation.

Results

Although hand-hand SAI was present in both the CG and the TBPI groups, hand-hand LAI was present in the CG only. Moreover, less AI was observed in TBPI patients than the CG both for face-hand SAI and LAI.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that sensorimotor integration involving both hand and face sensorimotor representations is affected by TBPI.

Quadripulse transcranial magnetic stimulation inducing long-term depression in healthy subjects may increase seizure risk in some patients with intractable epilepsy

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of quadripulse transcranial magnetic stimulation-50 (QPS-50) in patients with intractable epilepsy.

Methods

Four patients were included in the study. QPS-50, which induces long-term depression in healthy subjects, was administered for 30 min on a weekly basis for 12 weeks. Patients' clinical symptoms and physiological parameters were evaluated before, during, and after the repeated QPS-50 period. We performed two control experiments: the effect in MEP (Motor evoked potential) size after a single QPS-50 session with a round coil in nine healthy volunteers, and a follow-up study of physiological parameters by repeated QPS-50 sessions in four other healthy participants.

Results

Motor threshold (MT) decreased during the repeated QPS-50 sessions in all patients. Epileptic symptoms worsened in two patients, whereas no clinical worsening was observed in the other two patients. In contrast, MT remained unaffected for 12 weeks in all healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

QPS-50 may not be effective as a treatment for intractable epilepsy.

Significance

In intractable epilepsy patients, administering repeated QPS-50 may paradoxically render the motor cortex more excitable, probably because of abnormal inhibitory control within the epileptic cortex. The possibility of clinical aggravation should be seriously considered when treating intractable epilepsy patients with non-invasive stimulation methods.

Cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) over premotor-motor areas affects local circuitries in the human motor cortex via Hebbian plasticity

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have shown that cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) can strengthen connectivity between the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and the primary motor cortex (M1) by modulating convergent input over M1 via Hebbian spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). However, whether ccPAS locally affects M1 activity remains unclear. We tested 60 right-handed young healthy humans in two studies, using a combination of dual coil TMS and ccPAS over the left PMv and M1 to probe and manipulate PMv-to-M1 connectivity, and single- and paired-pulse TMS to assess neural activity within M1. We provide convergent evidence that ccPAS, relying on repeated activations of excitatory PMv-to-M1 connections, acts locally over M1. During ccPAS, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by paired PMv-M1 stimulation gradually increased. Following ccPAS, the threshold for inducing MEPs of different amplitudes decreased, and the input-output curve (IO) slope increased, highlighting increased M1 corticospinal excitability. Moreover, ccPAS reduced the magnitude of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), reflecting suppression of GABA-ergic interneuronal mechanisms within M1, without affecting intracortical facilitation (ICF). These changes were specific to ccPAS Hebbian strengthening of PMv-to-M1 connectivity, as no modulations were observed when reversing the order of the PMv-M1 stimulation during a control ccPAS protocol. These findings expand prior ccPAS research that focused on the malleability of cortico-cortical connectivity at the network-level, and highlight local changes in the area of convergent activation (i.e., M1) during plasticity induction. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the physiological basis of ccPAS that are relevant for protocol optimization.

The Different Effect of Tongue Motor Task Training (TTT) and Strength Training (ST) on the Modulation of Genioglossus Corticomotor Excitability and upper airway stability in Rats

STUDY OBJECTIVES

the mechanical efficiency of upper airway (UA) muscles are pivotal in maintaining UA stability. We aimed to investigate if different tongue training approaches could differently induce signs of neuroplastic in the corticomotor pathways and upper airway stability changes.

METHODS

36 Sprague-Dawley rats were trained daily for eight weeks to lick an isotonic force-sensing disc at targeting forces using 30-50% of maximal achieved lick force (MALF) for tongue task training (TTT) or targeting force set above 50%, 60% and 70% of MALF progressively for tongue strength training (TST). Corticomotor excitability was dynamically assessed by GG response to transcortical magnetic stimulation (TMS) at different sessions. GG EMG activity, GG ultrastructure and myosin heavy chain (MHC), UA dynamics were assessed after eight weeks.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks, GG TMS latencies decreased in both tongue training groups when compared with the control group (p<0.05) and this excitability was more stable in TTT group. After 8 weeks, both GG TMS response and EMG activity revealed increased excitability in TTT and TST groups. The apoptotic pathological morphology changes of GG ultrastructure were observed in TST group, but not TTT. Percentage of GG MHC type I fibers in TST group was higher than the control and TTT groups (p<0.05). The UA Pcrit decreased significantly in TTT group (p<0.05) and tend to decrease in TST group (p=0.09).

CONCLUSION

TTT could improve the UA stability and induce the neuroplastic changes more efficiently without training-induced muscle injury, while TST revealed a fatigue-resistance change in GG.

Cortical Inhibition State-Dependent iTBS Induced Neural Plasticity

Background

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is an effective stimulus for long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity. However, iTBS-induced effects varied greatly between individuals. Ample evidence suggested that an initial decrease in local γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or enhancement in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) facilitation neurotransmission is of vital importance for allowing LTP-like plasticity to occur. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the individual level of GABA or NMDA receptor-mediated activity before stimulation is correlated with the after-effect in cortical excitability induced by iTBS.

Methods

Fifteen healthy volunteers were recruited for the present study. We measured short-interval intracortical inhibitory (SICI), long-interval intracortical inhibitory (LICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF), which index GABA_A receptor-, GABA_B receptor-, and glutamate receptor-mediated activity, respectively, in the cortex before conducting iTBS. After iTBS intervention, the changes of motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude were taken as a measure for cortical excitability in response to iTBS protocol.

Results

There was a significant negative correlation between the amount of SICI measured before iTBS and the after-effect of iTBS-induced LTP-like plasticity at the time points of 5, 10, and 15 min after inducing iTBS. A multiple linear regression model indicated that SICI was a good predictor of the after-effect in cortical excitability induced by iTBS at 5, 10, and 15 min following stimulation.

Conclusion

The present study found that GABA_A receptor-mediated activity measured before stimulation is negatively correlated with the after-effect of cortical excitability induced by iTBS. SICI, as the index of GABA_A receptor-mediated activity measured before stimulation, might be a good predictor of iTBS-induced LTP-like plasticity for a period lasting 15 min following stimulation.

Central nervous system physiology

This is the second chapter of the series on the use of clinical neurophysiology for the study of movement disorders. It focusses on methods that can be used to probe neural circuits in brain and spinal cord. These include use of spinal and supraspinal reflexes to probe the integrity of transmission in specific pathways; transcranial methods of brain stimulation such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation, which activate or modulate (respectively) the activity of populations of central neurones; EEG methods, both in conjunction with brain stimulation or with behavioural measures that record the activity of populations of central neurones; and pure behavioural measures that allow us to build conceptual models of motor control. The methods are discussed mainly in relation to work on healthy individuals. Later chapters will focus specifically on changes caused by pathology.

TMS-EEG Research to Elucidate the Pathophysiological Neural Bases in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious mental disorder, and its pathogenesis is complex. Recently, the glutamate hypothesis and the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance hypothesis have been proposed as new pathological hypotheses for SCZ. Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive novel method that enables us to investigate the cortical activity in humans, and this modality is a suitable approach to evaluate these hypotheses. In this study, we systematically reviewed TMS-EEG studies that investigated the cortical dysfunction of SCZ to examine the emerging hypotheses for SCZ. The following search terms were set in this systematic review: (TMS or ‘transcranial magnetic stimulation’) and (EEG or electroencephalog*) and (schizophrenia). We inspected the articles written in English that examined humans and were published by March 2020 via MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed. The initial search generated 379 studies, and 14 articles were finally identified. The current review noted that patients with SCZ demonstrated the E/I deficits in the prefrontal cortex, whose dysfunctions were also associated with cognitive impairment and clinical severity. Moreover, TMS-induced gamma activity in the prefrontal cortex was related to positive symptoms, while theta/delta band activities were associated with negative symptoms in SCZ. Thus, this systematic review discusses aspects of the pathophysiological neural basis of SCZ that are not explained by the traditional dopamine hypothesis exclusively, based on the findings of previous TMS-EEG research, mainly in terms of the E/I imbalance hypothesis. In conclusion, TMS-EEG neurophysiology can be applied to establish objective biomarkers for better diagnosis as well as to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients with SCZ.

The Central Effects of Botulinum Toxin in Dystonia and Spasticity

In dystonic and spastic movement disorders, however different in their pathophysiological mechanisms, a similar impairment of sensorimotor control with special emphasis on afferentation is assumed. Peripheral intervention on afferent inputs evokes plastic changes within the central sensorimotor system. Intramuscular application of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a standard evidence-based treatment for both conditions. Apart from its peripheral action on muscle spindles, a growing body of evidence suggests that BoNT-A effects could also be mediated by changes at the central level including cerebral cortex. We review recent studies employing electrophysiology and neuroimaging to investigate how intramuscular application of BoNT-A influences cortical reorganization. Based on such data, BoNT-A becomes gradually accepted as a promising tool to correct the maladaptive plastic changes within the sensorimotor cortex. In summary, electrophysiology and especially neuroimaging studies with BoNT-A further our understanding of pathophysiology underlying dystonic and spastic movement disorders and may consequently help develop novel treatment strategies based on neural plasticity.

Neuromodulation for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) results from an external force to the head or body causing neurophysiological changes within the brain. The number and severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing rapid recovery, and others having persistent symptoms for months to years, impacting their quality of life. Current rehabilitation is limited in its ability to treat persistent symptoms and novel approaches are being sought to improve outcomes following mTBI. Neuromodulation is one technique used to encourage adaptive neuroplasticity within the brain. Objective: To systematically review the literature on the efficacy of neuromodulation in the mTBI population. Method: A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and EBM Review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis reporting guidelines were used and a narrative review of the selected studies was completed. Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria which were published in English, investigating an adult sample and using a pre- and post-intervention design. Studies were excluded if they included non-mild TBI severities, pediatric or older adult populations. Results: Thirteen of fourteen studies reported positive reductions in mTBI symptomatology following neuromodulation. Specifically, improvements were reported in post-concussion symptom ratings, headaches, dizziness, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, general disability, cognition, return to work and quality of life. Normalization of working memory activation patterns, vestibular field potentials, hemodynamics of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and excessive delta wave activity were also seen. The studies reviewed had several methodological limitations including small, heterogenous samples and varied intervention protocols, limiting generalisability. Further research is required to understand the context in which neuromodulation may be beneficial. Conclusions: While these positive effects are observed, limitations included unequal representation of neuromodulation modalities in the literature, and lack of literature describing the efficacy of neuromodulation on the development or duration of persistent mTBI symptoms. Better clarity regarding neuromodulation efficacy could have a significant impact on mTBI patients, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers, facilitating a more productive post-mTBI population. Despite the limitations, the literature indicates that neuromodulation warrants further investigation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020161279.

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

Paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS) is the repeated pairing of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with peripheral nerve stimulation to modify corticospinal synapses; however, it has yet to be determined whether PCMS modulates cortical excitability in a manner similar to paired-associative stimulation protocols. In this study, we first examined the effects of PCMS on adductor pollicis motor evoked potentials (MEPs). In experiment 1, on 2 separate days PCMS (repetitive, high-intensity TMS and ulnar nerve stimulation pairs; 1.5-ms interstimulus interval; 0.1 Hz) was compared with control conditioning of repetitive high-intensity TMS-only stimuli (0.1 Hz). Before and after conditioning, adductor pollicis MEPs were elicited using low-intensity TMS in three different coil orientations to preferentially activate corticospinal axons directly (thus bypassing cortical effects) or indirectly (cortical effects present). Unexpectedly, similar MEP increases were seen for all orientations on both PCMS (129 to 136% of baseline) and control days (108 to 129% of baseline). Given the common factor between conditioning protocols was repeated, high-intensity TMS, further experiments were performed to characterize this repetitive TMS (rTMS) protocol. In experiment 2, an intensity dependence of the rTMS protocol was revealed by a lack of change in MEPs elicited after repetitive low-intensity TMS (0.1 Hz; P = 0.37). In experiment 3, MEP recruitment curve and paired pulse analyses showed that the high-intensity rTMS protocol increased MEPs over a range of stimulus intensities but that effects were not accompanied by changes in intracortical inhibition or facilitation (P > 0.12). These experiments reveal a novel high-intensity, low-frequency rTMS protocol for enhancing corticospinal excitability.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we present a novel, intensity-dependent repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol that induces lasting, plastic changes within the corticospinal tract. High-intensity rTMS at a frequency of 0.1 Hz induces facilitation of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) lasting at least 35 min. Additionally, these changes are not limited only to small MEPs but occur throughout the recruitment curve. Finally, facilitation of MEPs following high-intensity rTMS does not appear to be due to changes in intracortical inhibition or facilitation.

Interhemispheric and Intrahemispheric Connectivity From the Left Pars Opercularis Within the Language Network Is Modulated by Transcranial Stimulation in Healthy Subjects

Neural activity related to language can be modulated within widespread networks following learning or in response to disruption—including the experimental application of noninvasive brain stimulation. However, the spatiotemporal characteristics of such modulation remain insufficiently explored. The present study combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to explore the modulation of activity across the language network following continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) of the left pars opercularis. In 10 healthy subjects (21 ± 2 years old, four females), neuronavigated cTBS was delivered over the left pars opercularis of the frontal operculum (part of the traditional Broca’s area) at 80% of active motor threshold (AMT) stimulation intensity. Real cTBS and sham cTBS were performed in two different visits separated by at least 48 h. Before, immediately, and 10 min after cTBS, 30 single pulses of TMS were delivered to the left pars opercularis at 80% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), whereas EEG was simultaneously recorded. We examined the cTBS-induced modulation of phase locking values (PLVs) between the TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) recorded over the pars opercularis and those recorded over its right-hemispheric homolog area, the left supramarginal area, and the left superior temporal area in different EEG frequency bands and different time windows following cTBS. cTBS to the left pars opercularis induced within the gamma band: (1) a significant increase in TEP phase synchronization between the left and right pars opercularis at an early time window (250–350 ms) following cTBS; and (2) significantly increased PLV with the left supramarginal area and the left superior temporal area at a later time window (600–700 ms). In the theta and delta band, cTBS to the left pars opercularis induced significantly increased phase synchronization of TEPs between the left pars opercularis and the posterior left hemispheric language areas at a late time window. In sham condition, there was a significant decrease in TEP phase synchronization of the high beta band between left pars opercularis and left superior temporal area at 200–300 ms. These results contribute to characterize the dynamics of the language network and may have implications in the development of noninvasive stimulation protocols to promote the language rehabilitation in aphasia patients.

Use-Dependent Plasticity in Human Primary Motor Hand Area: Synergistic Interplay Between Training and Immobilization

Training and immobilization are powerful drivers of use-dependent plasticity in human primary motor hand area (M1_HAND). In young right-handed volunteers, corticomotor representations of the left first dorsal interosseus and abductor digiti minimi muscles were mapped with neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to elucidate how finger-specific training and immobilization interact within M1_HAND. A first group of volunteers trained to track a moving target on a smartphone with the left index or little finger for one week. Linear sulcus shape-informed TMS mapping revealed that the tracking skill acquired with the trained finger was transferred to the nontrained finger of the same hand. The cortical representations of the trained and nontrained finger muscle converged in proportion with skill transfer. In a second group, the index or little finger were immobilized for one week. Immobilization alone attenuated the corticomotor representation and pre-existing tracking skill of the immobilized finger. In a third group, the detrimental effects of finger immobilization were blocked by concurrent training of the nonimmobilized finger. Conversely, immobilization of the nontrained fingers accelerated learning in the adjacent trained finger during the first 2 days of training. Together, the results provide novel insight into use-dependent cortical plasticity, revealing synergistic rather than competitive interaction patterns within M1_HAND.

Effects of Transcranial Static Magnetic Stimulation on Motor Cortex Evaluated by Different TMS Waveforms and Current Directions

Transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS) modulates cortical excitability probably by interacting with the GABA-glutamate intracortical balance. Different transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) waveforms probe distinct GABA-mediated cortical inhibition networks. The goal of the present work is to further characterize tSMS-induced changes in motor cortex reactivity and inhibition-excitation (I/E) balance. We hypothesized that tSMS affects particular cortical networks and thus, the effects of tSMS would be different depending on the TMS waveform used to assess its results. 23 healthy young adults completed two sessions of real or sham tSMS. The order of the sessions was randomized across participants. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical silent period (CSP), short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were assessed with TMS monophasic posterior-anterior (monoPA; n = 9), monophasic anterior-posterior (monoAP; n = 7), or biphasic (biAP-PA; n = 7) pulses. Repeated measures analyses of variance and appropriate pairwise comparisons were performed for each TMS measure. After 15 min of real tSMS, the MEP amplitudes decreased compared to sham and baseline, SICI and LICI showed greater inhibition, and a tendency towards longer CSPs and less facilitation was found. These results were only observed with monoPA TMS. MEP amplitude increased compared to sham with monoAP TMS, with no clear changes in general intracortical I/E balance. Biphasic TMS was not able to capture any effects of tSMS. The results show that the effects of tSMS on cortical excitability and inhibition involve specific interneuron circuits that are selectively activated by monoPA TMS.

Intracortical motor networks are affected in both the contralateral and ipsilateral hemisphere during single limb cold water immersion

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? How does single limb cold water immersion affect corticomotor function and intracortical circuitry in the motor cortex of each cerebral hemisphere? What is the main finding and its importance? Immersion of a single limb in very cold water caused an increase in corticomotor excitability and intracortical facilitation, and a decrease in intracortical inhibition, in the motor cortex of both hemispheres. These findings provide evidence that intense sensory stimuli induce widespread changes in motor circuitry in the contralateral, as well as the ipsilateral, hemisphere.

ABSTRACT

Although responses to noxious stimuli have been extensively studied for the contralateral hemisphere, little is known about how the ipsilateral hemisphere may be affected. Therefore, this study examined how exposing a single limb to noxious cold stimuli affects motor output arising from both the contralateral and ipsilateral hemisphere. A total of 17 healthy adults participated in three experiments. Single- and paired-pulse TMS protocols were used to identify how immersing a single upper limb in cold water (4.0 ± 0.5 °C) affects inhibitory and facilitatory circuits in the primary motor cortex (M1) of the contralateral (experiment 1) and ipsilateral (experiment 2) hemisphere. The third experiment used a reaction time task to assess the functional consequences of acute adaptations in the ipsilateral M1. The target muscle in all experiments was the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). Immersion of a single limb in cold water increased self-perception of pain and temperature, and increased EMG amplitude of the immersed limb. During immersion, motor evoked potentials and intracortical facilitation increased, whereas short interval intracortical inhibition decreased, for both the ipsilateral M1 and contralateral M1. Activity in the ipsilateral hemisphere to the limb immersed in cold water also slowed reaction time for the non-immersed limb. Our findings suggest that altered motor responses from single limb cold water immersion are not restricted to a single hemisphere. Instead, widespread activation of somatosensory systems influences inhibitory and facilitatory circuits in the primary motor cortex of each hemisphere.

Corticospinal excitability of tibialis anterior and soleus differs during passive ankle movement

The purpose of this study was to assess corticospinal excitability of soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) at a segmental level during passive ankle movement. Four experimental components were performed to assess the effects of passive ankle movement and muscle length on corticospinal excitability (MEP/M_max) at different muscle lengths, subcortical excitability at the level of lumbar spinal segments (LEP/M_max), intracortical inhibition (SICI) and facilitation (ICF), and H-reflex in SOL and TA. In addition, the degree of fascicle length changes between SOL and TA was assessed in a subpopulation during passive ankle movement. Fascicles shortened and lengthened with joint movement during passive shortening and lengthening of SOL and TA to a similar degree (p < 0.001). Resting motor threshold was greater in SOL compared to TA (p ≤ 0.014). MEP/M_max was facilitated in TA during passive shortening relative to the static position (p ≤ 0.023) and passive lengthening (p ≤ 0.001), but remained similar during passive ankle movement in SOL (p ≥ 0.497), regardless of muscle length at the point of stimulus (p = 0.922). LEP/M_max (SOL: p = 0.075, TA: p = 0.071), SICI (SOL: p = 0.427, TA: p = 0.540), and ICF (SOL: p = 0.177, TA: p = 0.777) remained similar during passive ankle movement. H-reflex was not different across conditions in TA (p = 0.258), but was reduced during passive lengthening compared to shortening in SOL (p = 0.048). These results suggest a differential modulation of corticospinal excitability between plantar and dorsiflexors during passive movement. The corticospinal behaviour observed might be mediated by an increase in corticospinal drive as a result of reduced afferent input during muscle shortening and appears to be flexor-biased.

Modified ischaemic nerve block of the forearm: use for the induction of cortical plasticity in distal hand muscles

KEY POINTS

Ischaemic nerve block (INB) of the forearm rapidly reduces somatosensory input to a part of the body, which leads to the functional reorganization of the temporarily deafferented primary motor cortex (M1). We applied a novel modified INB (mINB) to the forearm, maintaining mean blood pressure, to assess cortical plasticity in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the M1 regions associated with small hand muscles. S1 excitability was measured by median nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs), while M1 excitability was evaluated by motor-evoked potentials (MEPS), using transcranial magnetic stimulation. The finding that S1 excitability increased and M1 excitability decreased after the mINB was removed reflects the differential short-term cortical plasticity of the S1 and M1 regions. These opposite effects observed for the S1 and M1 regions following the mINB may indicate a possible intra-hemispheric interaction between the S1 and M1 regions.

ABSTRACT

Ischaemic nerve block (INB) causes short-term sensory deprivation, leading to functional reorganization in the deafferented motor cortex (M1). We used a modified INB (mINB) to evaluate cortical plasticity in the somatosensory cortex (S1) and M1 region associated with small hand muscles, because INB strongly inhibits muscles distal to the tourniquet. Thirty-three healthy adults participated in different combinations of four experiments. A pneumatic tourniquet was placed just below the right elbow and inflated to induce a mINB. We recorded the median nerve somatosensory- and motor-evoked potentials (SEPs and MEPs) before, during and after mINB placement and assessed spinal cord excitability using F-wave measurements. SEPs at Erb's point (N9) were abolished during the mINB; those at cortical N20 were suppressed. After removing the mINB, N20 amplitudes increased significantly, while those at N9 did not fully recover. P14 amplitudes after tourniquet deflation immediately recovered to baseline levels. M1-MEP amplitudes decreased during the mINB, and Erb-MEPs were suppressed. After the mINB was removed, M1-MEPs remained suppressed, while Erb-MEPs fully recovered. F-waves were not affected by the intervention. Therefore, sensory, but not motor, nerve function was affected by the mINB. S1 excitability was enhanced after the mINB was removed, indicating that S1 and M1 excitability were modulated in opposing directions after deflation. These after-effects may reflect isolated effects or interactions between the S1 and M1 regions. Our findings may facilitate improved understanding of the sensorimotor modulations that occur distal to the tourniquet due to temporal deafferentation and lead to development of novel neuromodulation protocols.

Effect of Sensory Deprivation on Maximal Force Abilities from Local to Non-local Digits

The present study investigates the effect of sensory deprivation of the index and middle finger on motor function of all digits during maximal voluntary force production tasks. A total of 27 subjects performed maximal isometric pressing tasks by using different instructed finger combinations. Subjects completed the same tasks in two visits: a control visit when they had normal sensory feedback in all fingers, and an anesthesia visit when digital nerve blocks were performed on their right index and middle fingers. We evaluated three aspects of motor adaptation on both local (anesthetized) and non-local (non-anesthetized) digits during maximal force production: (1) task-relevant and overall force magnitude, (2) force directional application, and (3) digital individuation and force sharing. Our results indicate that selective digital anesthesia resulted in decreased maximal force magnitude, changed direction of force production, and significant changes extended to non-local digits. The motor weakness and inefficiency revealed in the non-local digits implies that sensory information from each digit can be shared across the digits to assist motor execution within the same hand.

Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the motor cortex reveals long term GABA change following anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) has been reported to increase the firing rates of neurons and to modulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. To date, knowledge about the nature and duration of these tDCS induced effects is incomplete. We aimed to investigate long-term effects of anodal tDCS over M1 on GABA dynamics in humans. Repeated magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was employed to measure relative GABA concentration in M1 for approximately 64 minutes after stimulation. The study was performed on 32 healthy subjects. Either anodal or sham tDCS were applied for 10 minutes with the active electrode over the left M1 and the reference electrode over the right supra-orbital region. Pre and post-tDCS MRS scans were performed to acquire GABA-edited spectra using 3 T Prisma Siemens scanner. GABA signals showed no change over time in the sham tDCS group, whereas anodal tDCS resulted in a significant early decrease within 25 minutes after tDCS and then significant late decrease after 66 minutes which continued until the last test measurements. The late changes in GABA concentration might be related to long-term plasticity mechanism. These results contribute to a better understanding of the neurochemical mechanism underlying long-term cortical plasticity following anodal tDCS.

Magnetic seizure therapy reduces suicidal ideation and produces neuroplasticity in treatment-resistant depression

Therapeutic seizures may work for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) by producing neuroplasticity. We evaluated whether magnetic seizure therapy (MST) produces changes in suicidal ideation and neuroplasticity as indexed through transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Twenty-three patients with TRD were treated with MST. Changes in suicidal ideation was assessed through the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI). Before and after the treatment course, neuroplasticity in excitatory and inhibitory circuits was assessed with TMS-EEG measures of cortical-evoked activity (CEA) and long-interval cortical inhibition (LICI) from the left DLPFC, and the left motor cortex as a control condition. As in our previous report, the relationship between TMS-EEG measures and suicidal ideation was examined with the SSI. Results show that 44.4% of patients experienced resolution of suicidal ideation. Based on DLPFC assessment, MST produced significant CEA increase over the frontal central electrodes (cluster p < 0.05), but did not change LICI on a group level. MST also reduced the SSI scores (p < 0.005) and the amount of reduction correlated with the decrease in LICI over the right frontal central electrodes (cluster p < 0.05; rho = 0.73 for Cz). LICI change identified patients who were resolved of suicidal ideation with 90% sensitivity and 88% specificity (AUC = 0.9, p = 0.004). There was no significant finding with motor cortex assessment. Overall, MST produced significant rates of resolution of suicidal ideation. MST also produced neuroplasticity in the frontal cortex, likely through long-term potentiation (LTP)-like mechanisms. The largest reduction in suicidal ideation was demonstrated in patients showing concomitant decreases in cortical inhibition-a mechanism linked to enhanced LTP-like plasticity. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms through which patients experience resolution of suicidal ideation following seizure treatments in depression.

Reduced GABAergic cortical inhibition in aging and depression

The neurobiology underlying depression in older adults is less extensively evaluated than in younger adults, despite the putative influence of aging on depression neuropathology. Studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a neurophysiological tool capable of probing inhibitory and excitatory cortical neurotransmission, have identified dysfunctional GABAergic inhibitory activity in younger adults with depression. However, GABAergic and glutamatergic cortical neurotransmission have not yet been studied in late-life depression (LLD). Here, we used single- and paired-pulse TMS to measure cortical inhibition and excitation in 92 LLD patients and 41 age-matched healthy controls. To differentiate the influence of age and depression, we also compared these TMS indices to those of 30 younger depressed adults and 30 age- and sex-matched younger healthy adults. LLD patients, older healthy adults, and younger depressed adults demonstrated significantly lower GABA_A receptor-mediated cortical inhibition than younger healthy controls. By contrast, no significant differences in cortical inhibition were observed between older adults with and without depression. No significant differences in GABA_B receptor-mediated inhibition or cortical excitation were found between the groups. Altogether, these findings suggest that reduced cortical inhibition may be associated with both advancing age and depression, which (i) supports the model of depression as a disease of accelerated aging, and (ii) prompts future investigation into diminished GABAergic neurotransmission in late-life as a biological predisposing factor to the development of depression. Given that cortical neurophysiology was similar in depressed and healthy older adults, future prospective studies need to establish the relative influence of age and depression on cortical inhibition deficits.

Therapeutic Application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Rehabilitative Training for Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

Background

Only a few researchers have therapeutically applied transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for patients with spinal cord injury. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of therapeutic TMS combined with rehabilitative training for a patient with tetraparesis resulting from incomplete spinal cord injury.

Case

An 82-year-old male patient with incomplete spinal cord injury was admitted to our department for long-term rehabilitation. Eighteen days prior to admission, the patient sustained the injury in a fall. At admission to our department, the patient was diagnosed as having injury of the spinal cord at the C6 level. From the 76th day after admission, when the patient was considered to have attained a plateau state of recovery, application of therapeutic TMS was initiated using a double-cone coil. Two 15-min sessions of 10-Hz TMS were scheduled for daily application. Simultaneously, rehabilitative training was continuously provided. This patient received a total of 30 sessions of TMS over 19 days. Neither adverse effects nor deterioration of neurological symptoms was recognized during the intervention period. With this application of TMS, some improvements were evident in the American Spinal Injury Association motor score, the knee muscle strength, and the calf circumference.

Discussion

This case study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of TMS combined with rehabilitative training in a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury. Our protocol featuring TMS might constitute a novel neurorehabilitation intervention for such patients; however, the efficacy of the protocol should be confirmed in a large number of patients.

Cooperative hand movements: effect of a reduced afference on the neural coupling mechanism

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of unilateral reduction of afferent input on the 'neural coupling' mechanism during cooperative hand movements. This 'neural coupling' is reflected in the task-specific appearance of contralateral reflex responses in forearm muscles to unilateral arm nerve stimulation. Sensory input from the right hand was reduced by ischemic nerve block at the right wrist. Ipsilateral and contralateral reflex responses elicited by stimulation of the ulnar nerve either at the left or the right wrist proximal to the nerve block were recorded in forearm extensors during the performance of cooperative hand movements. During ischemia of the right hand, a significant difference was found in the magnitude of the contralateral responses, that is, contralateral reflex responses in the right arm were significantly higher compared with the left arm (P=0.04). Ipsilateral reflex responses were not affected by ischemic nerve block. The reduced afference from the ischemic hand during cooperative hand movements is assumed to weaken the activity in ipsilateral pathways involved in the neural coupling mechanism. Consequently, a shift in the interhemispheric balance might lead to the relative increase and decrease in the contralateral responses to left and right nerve stimulation, respectively. The study provides novel information on the involvement of ipsilateral hemispheres in the performance of cooperative hand movements.

The Propagation of Movement Variability in Time: A Methodological Approach for Discrete Movements with Multiple Degrees of Freedom

In recent years, theory-building in motor neuroscience and our understanding of the synergistic control of the redundant human motor system has significantly profited from the emergence of a range of different mathematical approaches to analyze the structure of movement variability. Approaches such as the Uncontrolled Manifold method or the Noise-Tolerance-Covariance decomposition method allow to detect and interpret changes in movement coordination due to e.g., learning, external task constraints or disease, by analyzing the structure of within-subject, inter-trial movement variability. Whereas, for cyclical movements (e.g., locomotion), mathematical approaches exist to investigate the propagation of movement variability in time (e.g., time series analysis), similar approaches are missing for discrete, goal-directed movements, such as reaching. Here, we propose canonical correlation analysis as a suitable method to analyze the propagation of within-subject variability across different time points during the execution of discrete movements. While similar analyses have already been applied for discrete movements with only one degree of freedom (DoF; e.g., Pearson's product-moment correlation), canonical correlation analysis allows to evaluate the coupling of inter-trial variability across different time points along the movement trajectory for multiple DoF-effector systems, such as the arm. The theoretical analysis is illustrated by empirical data from a study on reaching movements under normal and disturbed proprioception. The results show increased movement duration, decreased movement amplitude, as well as altered movement coordination under ischemia, which results in a reduced complexity of movement control. Movement endpoint variability is not increased under ischemia. This suggests that healthy adults are able to immediately and efficiently adjust the control of complex reaching movements to compensate for the loss of proprioceptive information. Further, it is shown that, by using canonical correlation analysis, alterations in movement coordination that indicate changes in the control strategy concerning the use of motor redundancy can be detected, which represents an important methodical advance in the context of neuromechanics.

Randomized Trial of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to Enhance Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy After Stroke

BACKGROUND

Constraint-based therapy and peripheral nerve stimulation can significantly enhance movement function after stroke. No studies have investigated combining these interventions for cases of chronic, mild-to-moderate hemiparesis following stroke.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the effects of peripheral nerve stimulation paired with a modified form of constraint-induced therapy on upper extremity movement function after stroke. Nineteen adult stroke survivors with mild-to-moderate hemiparesis more than 12 mo after stroke received 2 hours of either active (n = 10) or sham (n = 9) peripheral nerve stimulation preceding 4 hours of modified constraint-induced therapy (10 sessions).

RESULTS

Active peripheral nerve stimulation enhanced modified constraint-induced therapy more than sham peripheral nerve stimulation (significance at P < 0.05), both immediately after intervention (Wolf Motor Function Test: P = 0.006 (timed score); P = 0.001 (lift score); Fugl-Meyer Assessment: P = 0.022; Action Research Arm Test: P = 0.007) and at 1-mo follow-up (Wolf Motor Function Test: P = 0.025 (timed score); P = 0.007 (lift score); Fugl-Meyer Assessment: P = 0.056; Action Research Arm Test: P = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Pairing peripheral nerve stimulation with modified constraint-induced therapy can lead to significantly more improvement in upper extremity movement function than modified constraint-induced therapy alone. Future research is recommended to help establish longitudinal effects of this paired intervention, particularly as it affects movement function and daily life participation.

TO CLAIM CME CREDITS

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES:: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Understand the role that afferent input plays with regard to movement function; (2) Understand general concepts of delivering modified constraint-based therapy in stroke rehabilitation research; and (3) Understand the rationale for applying an adjuvant intervention to optimize outcomes of constraint-based therapy following stroke.

LEVEL

Advanced

ACCREDITATION

: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

High Amplitude EEG Motor Potential during Repetitive Foot Movement: Possible Use and Challenges for Futuristic BCIs That Restore Mobility after Spinal Cord Injury

Recent advances in neuroprostheses provide us with promising ideas of how to improve the quality of life in people suffering from impaired motor functioning of upper and lower limbs. Especially for patients after spinal cord injury (SCI), futuristic devices that are controlled by thought via brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) might be of tremendous help in managing daily tasks and restoring at least some mobility. However, there are certain problems arising when trying to implement BCI technology especially in such a heterogenous patient group. A plethora of processes occurring after the injuries change the brain's structure as well as its functionality collectively referred to as neuroplasticity. These changes are very different between individuals, leading to an increasing interest to reveal the exact changes occurring after SCI. In this study we investigated event-related potentials (ERPs) derived from electroencephalography (EEG) signals recorded during the (attempted) execution and imagination of hand and foot movements in healthy subjects and patients with SCI. As ERPs and especially early components are of interest for BCI research we aimed to investigate differences between 22 healthy volunteers and 7 patients (mean age = 51.86, SD = 15.49) suffering from traumatic or non-traumatic SCI since 2–314 months (mean = 116,57, SD = 125,55). We aimed to explore differences in ERP responses as well as the general presence of component that might be of interest to further consider for incorporation into BCI research. In order to match the real-life situation of BCIs for controlling neuroprostheses, we worked on small trial numbers (<25), only. We obtained a focal potential over Pz in ten healthy participants but in none of the patients after lenient artifact rejection. The potential was characterized by a high amplitude, it correlated with the repeated movements (6 times in 6 s) and in nine subjects it significantly differed from a resting condition. Furthermore, there are strong arguments against possible confounding factors leading to the potential's appearance. This phenomenon, occurring when movements are repeatedly conducted, might represent a possible potential to be used in futuristic BCIs and further studies should try to investigate the replicability of its appearance.

Corticospinal excitability changes following blood flow restriction training of the tibialis anterior: a preliminary study

AIM

To examine the neural excitability of projections to the tibialis anterior (TA) following blood flow restriction training (BFRT). This is the first study to examine the TA following BFRT.

METHODS

Ten subjects performed each experiment. Experiment one consisted of BFRT at 130 mmHg (BFRT-low). Experiment two consisted of BFRT at 200 mmHg (BFRT-high), training (TR-only) and blood flow restriction at 200 mmHg (BFR-only) performed on separate days. Blood flow restriction was applied to the thigh and training consisted of rapid dorsiflexion contractions against gravity every 10 s for 15-min. The motor evoked potential (MEP) peak-to-peak amplitudes were recorded pre-intervention and 1-, 10-, 20- and 30-min post-intervention and expressed relative to the maximal peak-to-peak M-wave at each time-point.

RESULTS

Experiment one revealed no difference in MEP amplitudes for BFRT-low over time (P = 0.09). Experiment two revealed a significant effect of time (P < 0.001), with 1-min post-intervention MEP amplitudes significantly facilitated compared to pre-intervention, but no effect of intervention (P = 0.79) or intervention*time interaction (P = 0.25). Post-hoc power calculations were performed for the intervention*time interaction.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Corticospinal excitability of projections to the TA did not change following BFRT-low and corticospinal excitability changes between BFRT-high, BFR-only and TR-only interventions were not different over time. In experiment two, there was a significant main effect of time 1-min post-intervention which was mainly due to the BFRT-high intervention. Post-hoc power calculations revealed that 15 subjects were required for a significant interaction effect 80% of the time however, as the changes in corticospinal excitability were not prolonged, a new dataset of ≥ 15 subjects was not acquired.

Advancing non-invasive neuromodulation clinical trials in children: Lessons from perinatal stroke

Applications of non-invasive brain stimulation including therapeutic neuromodulation are expanding at an alarming rate. Increasingly established scientific principles, including directional modulation of well-informed cortical targets, are advancing clinical trial development. However, high levels of disease burden coupled with zealous enthusiasm may be getting ahead of rational research and evidence. Experience is limited in the developing brain where additional issues must be considered. Properly designed and meticulously executed clinical trials are essential and required to advance and optimize the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation without risking the well-being of children and families. Perinatal stroke causes most hemiplegic cerebral palsy and, as a focal injury of defined timing in an otherwise healthy brain, is an ideal human model of developmental plasticity. Advanced models of how the motor systems of young brains develop following early stroke are affording novel windows of opportunity for neuromodulation clinical trials, possibly directing neuroplasticity toward better outcomes. Reviewing the principles of clinical trial design relevant to neuromodulation and using perinatal stroke as a model, this article reviews the current and future issues of advancing such trials in children.

Reorganization of the primary motor cortex following lower-limb amputation for vascular disease: a pre-post-amputation comparison

PURPOSE

This study compared bilateral corticomotor and intracortical excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1), pre- and post-unilateral transtibial amputation.

METHOD

Three males aged 45, 55, and 48 years respectively who were scheduled for elective amputation and thirteen (10 male, 3 female) healthy control participants aged 58.9 (SD 9.8) were recruited. Transcranial magnetic stimulation assessed corticomotor and intracortical excitability of M1 bilaterally. Neurophysiological assessments were performed 10 (SD 7) days prior to surgery and again at 10 (SD 3) days following surgery. Data were analyzed descriptively and objectively compared to 95% confidence intervals from control data.

RESULTS

Prior to amputation, all three patients demonstrated stronger short-latency intracortical inhibition evoked from M1 ipsilateral to the affected limb and reduced long-latency intracortical inhibition evoked from M1 contralateral to the affected limb compared to control subjects. Following amputation, short-latency intracortical inhibition was reduced in both M1s and long-latency intracortical inhibition was reduced for the ipsilateral M1. Single-pulse motor evoked potential amplitude and motor thresholds were similar pre-to-post amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Modulation of intracortical excitability shortly following amputation indicates that the cortical environment may be optimized for reorganization in the acute post-amputation period which might be significant for learning to support prosthetic mobility. Implications for Rehabilitation Amputation of a lower-limb is associated with extensive reorganization at the level of the cortex. Reorganization occurs in the acute post-amputation period implying a favorable cortical environment for recovery. Rehabilitation or brain interventions may target the acute pre-prosthetic post-amputation period to optimize recovery.

■ REVIEW : Plasticity in the Human Motor System

The organization of motor representation in the human brain is plastic in a number of situations. Plasticity may be caused by unmasking of pre-existing connections, activity dependent synaptic changes, changes in membrane excitability, or growth of new connections. In peripheral injury, such as amputation, regions of brain no longer have a peripheral target. Neighboring motor representation areas targeting muscles ipsilat eral and proximal to the amputation stump enlarge into this territory. Some changes can occur quickly, whereas others require years; this probably reflects different processes. In early brain injury, including pa tients with hemispherectomy, some recovery of function seems related to enhancement of ipsilateral path ways. Stroke in adult life may cause some reorganization in the lesioned hemisphere, and the role of ipsilateral pathways is not yet well established. Patterns of use and motor learning can influence brain organization. Use of a body part increases its representation, whereas disuse reduces representation. In motor learning, such as learning a finger sequence, the representation of muscles involved with the learning increases in size. Plasticity can even be cross-modal, as demonstrated by the functional role of the visual cortex when the blind read Braille. NEUROSCIENTIST 5:324-332, 1999

Experimental tonic hand pain modulates the corticospinal plasticity induced by a subsequent hand deafferentation

Sensorimotor reorganization is believed to play an important role in the development and maintenance of phantom limb pain, but pain itself might modulate sensorimotor plasticity induced by deafferentation. Clinical and basic research support this idea, as pain prior to amputation increases the risk of developing post-amputation pain. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of experimental tonic cutaneous hand pain on the plasticity induced by temporary ischemic hand deafferentation. Sixteen healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions (Pain, No Pain) in which transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess corticospinal excitability in two forearm muscles (flexor carpi radialis and flexor digitorum superficialis) before (T0, T10, T20, and T40) and after (T60 and T75) inflation of a cuff around the wrist. The cuff was inflated at T45 in both sessions and in the Pain session capsaicin cream was applied on the dorsum of the hand at T5. Corticospinal excitability was significantly greater during the Post-inflation phase (p=0.002) and increased similarly in both muscles (p=0.861). Importantly, the excitability increase in the Post-inflation phase was greater for the Pain than the No-Pain condition (p=0.006). Post-hoc analyses revealed a significant difference between the two conditions during the Post-inflation phase (p=0.030) but no difference during the Pre-inflation phase (p=0.601). In other words, the corticospinal facilitation was greater when pain was present prior to cuff inflation. These results indicate that pain can modulate the plasticity induced by another event, and could partially explain the sensorimotor reorganization often reported in chronic pain populations.

Bilateral sensory deprivation of trigeminal afferent fibres on corticomotor control of human tongue musculature: a preliminary study

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has demonstrated changes in motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in human limb muscles following modulation of sensory afferent inputs. The aim of this study was to determine whether bilateral local anaesthesia (LA) of the lingual nerve affects the excitability of the tongue motor cortex (MI) as measured by TMS. The effect on MEPs after bilateral LA of the lingual nerve was studied, while the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle served as a control in ten healthy participants. MEPs were measured on the right side of the tongue dorsum in four different conditions: (i) immediately prior to anaesthesia (baseline), (ii) during bilateral LA block of the lingual nerve, (iii) after anaesthesia had subjectively subsided (recovery) and (iv) 3 h after bilateral lingual block injection. MEPs were assessed using stimulus-response curves in steps of 10% of motor threshold (T). Eight stimuli were given at each stimulus level. The amplitudes of the tongue MEPs were significantly influenced by the stimulus intensity (P < 0·001) but not by condition (P = 0·186). However, post hoc tests showed that MEPS were statistically significantly higher during bilateral LA block condition compared with baseline at T + 40%, T + 50% and T + 60% (P < 0·028) and also compared with recovery at T + 60% (P = 0·010) as well as at 3 h after injection at T + 50% and T + 60% (P < 0·029). Bilateral LA block of the lingual nerve seems to be associated with a facilitation of the corticomotor pathways related to the tongue musculature.

Temporary deafferentation evoked by cutaneous anesthesia: behavioral and electrophysiological findings in healthy subjects

Motor function and motor excitability can be modulated by changes of somatosensory input. Here, we performed a randomized single-blind trial to investigate behavioral and neurophysiological changes during temporary deafferentation of left upper arm and forearm in 31 right-handed healthy adults. Lidocaine cream was used to anesthetize the skin from wrist to shoulder, sparing the hand. As control condition, on a different day, a neutral cream was applied to the same skin area. The sequence (first Lidocaine, then placebo or vice versa) was randomized. Behavioral measures included the Grating Orientation Task, the Von Frey hair testing and the Nine-hole-peg-test. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to investigate short-interval intracortical inhibition, stimulus response curves, motor evoked potential amplitudes during pre-innervation and the cortical silent period (CSP). Recordings were obtained from left first dorsal interosseous muscle and from left flexor carpi radialis muscle. During deafferentation, the threshold of touch measured at the forearm was significantly worse. Other behavioral treatment-related changes were not found. The CSP showed a significant interaction between treatment and time in first dorsal interosseous muscle. CSP duration was longer during Lidocaine application and shorter during placebo exposure. We conclude that, in healthy subjects, temporary cutaneous deafferentation of upper and lower arm may have minor effects on motor inhibition, but not on sensory or motor function for the adjacent non-anesthetized hand.