Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 9/2016

01-09-2016 | Original Article

Cross-education of wrist extensor strength is not influenced by non-dominant training in right-handers

Authors: Timothy A. Coombs, Ashlyn K. Frazer, Deanna M. Horvath, Alan J. Pearce, Glyn Howatson, Dawson J. Kidgell

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose

Cross-education of strength has been proposed to be greater when completed by the dominant limb in right handed humans. We investigated whether the direction of cross-education of strength and corticospinal plasticity are different following right or left limb strength training in right-handed participants.

Methods

Changes in strength, muscle thickness and indices of corticospinal plasticity were analyzed in 23 adults who were exposed to 3-weeks of either right-hand strength training (RHT) or left-hand strength training (LHT).

Results

Maximum voluntary wrist extensor strength in both the trained and untrained limb increased, irrespective of which limb was trained, with TMS revealing reduced corticospinal inhibition.

Conclusions

Cross-education of strength was not limited by which limb was trained and reduced corticospinal inhibition was not just confined to the trained limb. Critically, from a behavioral perspective, the magnitude of cross-education was not limited by which limb was trained.
Literature
go back to reference Amuntsa K, Schlaugb G, Schleichera A, Steinmetzb H, Dabringhausa A, Rolandc PE, Zillesa K (1996) Asymmetry in the human motor cortex and handedness. NeuroImage 4:216–222CrossRef Amuntsa K, Schlaugb G, Schleichera A, Steinmetzb H, Dabringhausa A, Rolandc PE, Zillesa K (1996) Asymmetry in the human motor cortex and handedness. NeuroImage 4:216–222CrossRef
go back to reference Ackerly SJ, Stinear CM, Byblow WD (2011) Promoting use-dependent plasticity with externally-paced training. Clin Neurophysiol 122:2462–2468CrossRef Ackerly SJ, Stinear CM, Byblow WD (2011) Promoting use-dependent plasticity with externally-paced training. Clin Neurophysiol 122:2462–2468CrossRef
go back to reference Brown AB, McCartney N, Sale DG (1990) Positive adaptations to weight-lifting training in the elderly. J Appl Physiol 69:1725–1733PubMed Brown AB, McCartney N, Sale DG (1990) Positive adaptations to weight-lifting training in the elderly. J Appl Physiol 69:1725–1733PubMed
go back to reference Calancie B, Nordin M, Wallin U, Hagbarth KE (1987) Motor-unit responses in human wrist flexor and extensor muscles to transcranial cortical stimuli. J Neurophysiol 58:1168–1185PubMed Calancie B, Nordin M, Wallin U, Hagbarth KE (1987) Motor-unit responses in human wrist flexor and extensor muscles to transcranial cortical stimuli. J Neurophysiol 58:1168–1185PubMed
go back to reference Carroll TJ, Herbert RD, Munn J, Lee M, Gandevia SC (2006) Contralateral effects of unilateral strength training: evidence and possible mechanisms. J Appl Physiol 101:1514–1522CrossRefPubMed Carroll TJ, Herbert RD, Munn J, Lee M, Gandevia SC (2006) Contralateral effects of unilateral strength training: evidence and possible mechanisms. J Appl Physiol 101:1514–1522CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Christie A, Kamen G (2014) Cortical inhibition is reduced following short-term training in young and older adults. Age 36:749–758CrossRefPubMed Christie A, Kamen G (2014) Cortical inhibition is reduced following short-term training in young and older adults. Age 36:749–758CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Criscimagna-Hemminger SE, Donchin O, Gazzaniga MS, Shadmehr R (2003) Learned dynamics of reaching movements generalize from dominant to nondominant arm. J Neurophysiol 89:168–176CrossRefPubMed Criscimagna-Hemminger SE, Donchin O, Gazzaniga MS, Shadmehr R (2003) Learned dynamics of reaching movements generalize from dominant to nondominant arm. J Neurophysiol 89:168–176CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Dragert K, Zehr P (2013) High-intensity unilateral dorsiflexor resistance training results in bilateral neuromuscular plasticity after stroke. Exp Br Res 225:93–104CrossRef Dragert K, Zehr P (2013) High-intensity unilateral dorsiflexor resistance training results in bilateral neuromuscular plasticity after stroke. Exp Br Res 225:93–104CrossRef
go back to reference Farthing JP (2009) Cross-education of strength depends on limb dominance: implications for theory and application. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 37:179–187PubMed Farthing JP (2009) Cross-education of strength depends on limb dominance: implications for theory and application. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 37:179–187PubMed
go back to reference Farthing JP, Zehr EP (2014) Restoring symmetry: clinical applications of cross-education. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 42:70–75CrossRefPubMed Farthing JP, Zehr EP (2014) Restoring symmetry: clinical applications of cross-education. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 42:70–75CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Farthing JP, Chilibeck PD, Binsted G (2005) Cross-education of arm muscular strength is unidirectional in right-handed individuals. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37:1594–1600CrossRefPubMed Farthing JP, Chilibeck PD, Binsted G (2005) Cross-education of arm muscular strength is unidirectional in right-handed individuals. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37:1594–1600CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Farthing JP, Borowsky R, Chilibeck P, Binsted G, Sarty G (2007) Neuro-physiological adaptations associated with cross-education of strength. Brain Topogr 20:77–88CrossRefPubMed Farthing JP, Borowsky R, Chilibeck P, Binsted G, Sarty G (2007) Neuro-physiological adaptations associated with cross-education of strength. Brain Topogr 20:77–88CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Farthing JP, Krentz JR, Magnus CRA, Barss TS, Lanovaz JL, Cummine J et al (2011) Changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging cortical activation with cross education to an immobilized limb. Med Sci Sport Exerc 43:1394–1405CrossRef Farthing JP, Krentz JR, Magnus CRA, Barss TS, Lanovaz JL, Cummine J et al (2011) Changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging cortical activation with cross education to an immobilized limb. Med Sci Sport Exerc 43:1394–1405CrossRef
go back to reference Fimland M, Helgerud J, Solstad GM, Iversen VM, Leivseth G, Hoff J (2009) Neural adaptations underlying cross-education after unilateral strength training. Eur J Appl Physiol 107:723–730CrossRefPubMed Fimland M, Helgerud J, Solstad GM, Iversen VM, Leivseth G, Hoff J (2009) Neural adaptations underlying cross-education after unilateral strength training. Eur J Appl Physiol 107:723–730CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Goodwill AM, Pearce AJ, Kidgell DJ (2012) Corticomotor plasticity following unilateral strength training. Muscle Nerve 46:384–393CrossRefPubMed Goodwill AM, Pearce AJ, Kidgell DJ (2012) Corticomotor plasticity following unilateral strength training. Muscle Nerve 46:384–393CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hammond G (2002) Correlates of human handedness in primary motor cortex: a review and hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 26:285–292CrossRefPubMed Hammond G (2002) Correlates of human handedness in primary motor cortex: a review and hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 26:285–292CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hendy AM, Kidgell DJ (2013) Anodal tDCS applied during strength training enhances motor cortical plasticity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 45:1721–1729CrossRefPubMed Hendy AM, Kidgell DJ (2013) Anodal tDCS applied during strength training enhances motor cortical plasticity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 45:1721–1729CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hinder MR, Carroll TJ, Summers JJ (2013) Inter-limb transfer of ballistic motor skill following non-dominant limb training in young and older adults. Exp Brain Res 227:19–29CrossRefPubMed Hinder MR, Carroll TJ, Summers JJ (2013) Inter-limb transfer of ballistic motor skill following non-dominant limb training in young and older adults. Exp Brain Res 227:19–29CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hopler L, Biallas M, Wolf M (2009) Task complexity relates to activation of cortical motor areas during uni- and bimanual performance: a functional NIRS study. Neuroimage 46:1105–1113CrossRef Hopler L, Biallas M, Wolf M (2009) Task complexity relates to activation of cortical motor areas during uni- and bimanual performance: a functional NIRS study. Neuroimage 46:1105–1113CrossRef
go back to reference Hortobagyi T, Lambert NJ, Hill JP (1997) Greater cross education following training with muscle lengthening than shortening. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29:107–112CrossRefPubMed Hortobagyi T, Lambert NJ, Hill JP (1997) Greater cross education following training with muscle lengthening than shortening. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29:107–112CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hortobagyi T, Richardson SP, Lomarev M, Shamim E, Meunier S, Russman H, Dang N, Hallett M (2011) Interhemispheric plasticity in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc 43:1188–1199CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Hortobagyi T, Richardson SP, Lomarev M, Shamim E, Meunier S, Russman H, Dang N, Hallett M (2011) Interhemispheric plasticity in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc 43:1188–1199CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Howatson G, Taylor MB, Rider P, Motawar BR, McNally MP, Solnik S, DeVita P, Hortobágyi T (2011) Ipsilateral motor cortical responses to TMS during lengthening and shortening of the contralateral wrist flexors. Eur J Neurosci 33:978–990CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Howatson G, Taylor MB, Rider P, Motawar BR, McNally MP, Solnik S, DeVita P, Hortobágyi T (2011) Ipsilateral motor cortical responses to TMS during lengthening and shortening of the contralateral wrist flexors. Eur J Neurosci 33:978–990CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Kidgell DJ, Stokes MA, Perace AJ (2011) Strength training of one limb increases corticomotor excitability projecting to the contralateral homologous limb. Motor Control 15:247–266CrossRefPubMed Kidgell DJ, Stokes MA, Perace AJ (2011) Strength training of one limb increases corticomotor excitability projecting to the contralateral homologous limb. Motor Control 15:247–266CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Kidgell DJ, Frazer AK, Daly RM, Rantailanen T, Ruotsalainen I, Ahtiainen J, Avela J, Howatson G (2015) Increased cross-education of muscle strength and reduced corticospinal inhibition following eccentric strength training. Neuroscience 300:566–575CrossRefPubMed Kidgell DJ, Frazer AK, Daly RM, Rantailanen T, Ruotsalainen I, Ahtiainen J, Avela J, Howatson G (2015) Increased cross-education of muscle strength and reduced corticospinal inhibition following eccentric strength training. Neuroscience 300:566–575CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Lagerquist O, Zehr EP, Docherty D (2006) Increased spinal reflex excitability is not associated with neural plasticity underlying the cross-education effect. J Appl Physiol 100:83–90CrossRefPubMed Lagerquist O, Zehr EP, Docherty D (2006) Increased spinal reflex excitability is not associated with neural plasticity underlying the cross-education effect. J Appl Physiol 100:83–90CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Lee M, Gandevia SC, Carroll TJ (2009) Unilateral strength training increases voluntary activation of the opposite untrained limb. Clin Neurophysiol 120:802–808CrossRefPubMed Lee M, Gandevia SC, Carroll TJ (2009) Unilateral strength training increases voluntary activation of the opposite untrained limb. Clin Neurophysiol 120:802–808CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Lee M, Hinder MR, Gandevia SC, Carroll TJ (2010) The ipsilateral motor cortex contributes to cross-limb transfer of performance gains after ballistic motor practice. J Physiol 588:201–212CrossRefPubMed Lee M, Hinder MR, Gandevia SC, Carroll TJ (2010) The ipsilateral motor cortex contributes to cross-limb transfer of performance gains after ballistic motor practice. J Physiol 588:201–212CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Leung M, Rantalainen T, Teo WP, Kidgell DJ (2015) Motor cortex excitability is not differentially modulated following skill and strength training. Neuroscience 305:99–108CrossRefPubMed Leung M, Rantalainen T, Teo WP, Kidgell DJ (2015) Motor cortex excitability is not differentially modulated following skill and strength training. Neuroscience 305:99–108CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Magnus CRA, Barss TS, Lanovaz JL, Farthing JP (2010) Effects of cross-education on the muscle after a period of unilateral limb immobilization using a shoulder sling and swathe. J Appl Physiol 109:1887–1894CrossRefPubMed Magnus CRA, Barss TS, Lanovaz JL, Farthing JP (2010) Effects of cross-education on the muscle after a period of unilateral limb immobilization using a shoulder sling and swathe. J Appl Physiol 109:1887–1894CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Magnus CRA, Arnold CM, Johnston G, Haas VD, Basran J, Krentz JR, Farthing JP (2013) Cross-education for improving strength and mobility following distal radius fractures: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 94:1247–1255CrossRefPubMed Magnus CRA, Arnold CM, Johnston G, Haas VD, Basran J, Krentz JR, Farthing JP (2013) Cross-education for improving strength and mobility following distal radius fractures: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 94:1247–1255CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Munn J, Herbert RD, Hancock MJ, Gandevia SC (2005) Resistance training for strength: effect of number of sets and contraction speed. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37:1622–1626CrossRefPubMed Munn J, Herbert RD, Hancock MJ, Gandevia SC (2005) Resistance training for strength: effect of number of sets and contraction speed. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37:1622–1626CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Pearce AJ, Hendy AM, Bowen WA, Kidgell DJ (2012) Corticospinal adaptations and strength maintenance in the immobilized arm following 3 weeks unilateral strength training. Scan J Med Sci Sports 23:740–748CrossRef Pearce AJ, Hendy AM, Bowen WA, Kidgell DJ (2012) Corticospinal adaptations and strength maintenance in the immobilized arm following 3 weeks unilateral strength training. Scan J Med Sci Sports 23:740–748CrossRef
go back to reference Perez MA, Cohen LG (2008) Mechanisms underlying functional changes in the primary motor cortex ipsilateral to an active hand. J Neurosci 28:5631–5640CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Perez MA, Cohen LG (2008) Mechanisms underlying functional changes in the primary motor cortex ipsilateral to an active hand. J Neurosci 28:5631–5640CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Selvanayagam VC, Riek S, Carroll TJ (2012) A systematic method to quantify the presence of cross-talk in stimulus-evoked EMG responses: implications for TMS studies. J Appl Physiol 112:259–265CrossRefPubMed Selvanayagam VC, Riek S, Carroll TJ (2012) A systematic method to quantify the presence of cross-talk in stimulus-evoked EMG responses: implications for TMS studies. J Appl Physiol 112:259–265CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Thaut MH, Kenyon GP, Hurt CP, McIntosh GC, Hoemberg V (2002) Kinematic optimization of spatiotemporal patterns in paretic arm training with stroke patients. Neuropsychology 40:1073–1081CrossRef Thaut MH, Kenyon GP, Hurt CP, McIntosh GC, Hoemberg V (2002) Kinematic optimization of spatiotemporal patterns in paretic arm training with stroke patients. Neuropsychology 40:1073–1081CrossRef
go back to reference Watanabe M, Maemura K, Kanbara K, Tamayama T, Hayasaki H (2002) GABA and GABA receptors in the central nervous system and other organs. Int Rev Cytol 213:1–47CrossRefPubMed Watanabe M, Maemura K, Kanbara K, Tamayama T, Hayasaki H (2002) GABA and GABA receptors in the central nervous system and other organs. Int Rev Cytol 213:1–47CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Zijdewind I, Butler JE, Gandevia SC, Taylor JL (2006) The origin of activity in the biceps brachii muscle during voluntary contractions of the contralateral elbow flexor muscles. Exp Brain Res 175:526–535CrossRefPubMed Zijdewind I, Butler JE, Gandevia SC, Taylor JL (2006) The origin of activity in the biceps brachii muscle during voluntary contractions of the contralateral elbow flexor muscles. Exp Brain Res 175:526–535CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Zult T, Howatson G, Kádár EE, Farthing JP, Hortobágyi T (2014) Role of the mirror-neuron system in cross-education. Sport Med 44:159–178CrossRef Zult T, Howatson G, Kádár EE, Farthing JP, Hortobágyi T (2014) Role of the mirror-neuron system in cross-education. Sport Med 44:159–178CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Cross-education of wrist extensor strength is not influenced by non-dominant training in right-handers
Authors
Timothy A. Coombs
Ashlyn K. Frazer
Deanna M. Horvath
Alan J. Pearce
Glyn Howatson
Dawson J. Kidgell
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3436-5

Other articles of this Issue 9/2016

European Journal of Applied Physiology 9/2016 Go to the issue