P256 Unimanual and bimanual dexterity are influenced by anodal High-Definition transcranial direct current stimulation. Issue 3 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pixa, N.H.; Steinberg, F.; Doppelmayr, M.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 128:Issue 3(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: e138
• Page End: e139
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.10.370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: One of the most striking characteristics of humans is their unique capability for manipulating the surrounding environment by their hands, which requires a well-coordinated sensory-motor processing ability (Ingram et al., 2006). Voluntary movements of both hands are crucial for independent living in everyday life. However, research on brain stimulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) usually targets unimanual motor tasks, whereas little is known about the effects on bimanual motor performance. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate effects of an anodal High Definition tDCS (HD-atDCS) of the left and right primary motor cortex (M1) on unimanual as well as bimanual motor performance and motor learning assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) (Tiffin and Asher, 1948). Method: In our multi-day double-blind study, 31 healthy, right-handed volunteers (11 female; age M = 23.42; SD = 2.45) without neurological disorders were randomly assigned in two groups receiving either anodal HD-tDCS (STIM, n = 16) or sham stimulation (SHAM, n = 15). Between a pre- and a posttest participants practiced with the PPT on three consecutive days for 15 min and received, congruent to motor practice, a bihemispheric HD-atDCS (1 mA; 3, 14 cm 2 Ag/AgCl electrodes) over C1 and C2 (10-10-EEG-system) or a sham stimulation. Five to seven days after the posttest, a follow up test was conducted. Results: Two way ANOVAs showed significantly increased performance for all PPT-scores ( p < .001). The sub-scores for right hand, both hands and overall-score showed a significant interaction TIME × GROUP ( p < .05). Left hand showed a statistical trend ( p = .10). These effects were most pronounced in the follow up test. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a bihemispheric HD-atDCS of the M1 improves motor learning of unimanual and bimanual hand movements. The strength of the effects, however, depends on which hand is used in the unimanual task and the type of the bimanual task. This could be important to make HD-tDCS more suitable for clinical applications and the usage in motor training.