ID 256 – Pinch force MVC is increased more by training when coupled with pairs of threshold TMS pulses. Issue 3 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maruyama, A.; Ono, K.; Kurabe, Y.; Yamashiro, K.; Sato, D.; Nuruki, A.; Toge, T.; Rothwell, J.C.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 127:Issue 3(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: e82
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.11.273
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Pinch force MVC can be increased by muscle hypertrophy and by improved recruitment of volitional drive from motor cortex. We examined whether brief synchronization of corticospinal output induced by pairs of weak TMS pulses (1.5 ms interval; 100% resting motor threshold) would improve MVC more effectively than training alone. Methods: 2 groups of subjects( n = 8) trained on 4 alternate days. They performed 4 brief sets of MVC training separated by 5 min rest. Each set consisted of 3 MVCs (2s duration) separated by 1 min rest. One group received a pair of TMS pulses superimposed on each MVC; the other did not receive any stimulation. SICI (3 ms) and SICF (1.5 ms) were assessed before the start of the first training session and then up to 15 min after the end of the last training session. Results: Training with superimposed TMS pulses increased pinch MVC more than in the control group. In addition, SICI was significantly less effective, whereas SICF was more effect after the last training day in the TMS group. There was no change in either measure in the control group. Conclusion: Brief synchronization of corticospinal output during MVC training is an effective way of improving central drive to muscles involved in pinch.