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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Original Article

Direct and crossed effects of somatosensory electrical stimulation on motor learning and neuronal plasticity in humans

Authors: M. P. Veldman, I. Zijdewind, S. Solnik, N. A. Maffiuletti, K. M. M. Berghuis, M. Javet, J. Négyesi, T. Hortobágyi

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Sensory input can modify voluntary motor function. We examined whether somatosensory electrical stimulation (SES) added to motor practice (MP) could augment motor learning, interlimb transfer, and whether physiological changes in neuronal excitability underlie these changes.

Methods

Participants (18–30 years, n = 31) received MP, SES, MP + SES, or a control intervention. Visuomotor practice included 300 trials for 25 min with the right-dominant wrist and SES consisted of weak electrical stimulation of the radial and median nerves above the elbow. Single- and double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) metrics were measured in the intervention and non-intervention extensor carpi radialis.

Results

There was 27 % motor learning and 9 % (both p < 0.001) interlimb transfer in all groups but SES added to MP did not augment learning and transfer. Corticospinal excitability increased after MP and SES when measured at rest but it increased after MP and decreased after SES when measured during contraction. No changes occurred in intracortical inhibition and facilitation. MP did not affect the TMS metrics in the transfer hand. In contrast, corticospinal excitability strongly increased after SES with MP + SES showing sharply opposite of these effects.

Conclusion

Motor practice and SES each can produce motor learning and interlimb transfer and are likely to be mediated by different mechanisms. The results provide insight into the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of MP and SES on motor learning and cortical plasticity and show that these mechanisms are likely to be different for the trained and stimulated motor cortex and the non-trained and non-stimulated motor cortex.

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Title: Direct and crossed effects of somatosensory electrical stimulation on motor learning and neuronal plasticity in humans
Authors: M. P. Veldman
I. Zijdewind
S. Solnik
N. A. Maffiuletti
K. M. M. Berghuis
M. Javet
J. Négyesi
T. Hortobágyi
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3248-z

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Direct and crossed effects of somatosensory electrical stimulation on motor learning and neuronal plasticity in humans

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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