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Changes in EMG coherence between long and short thumb abductor muscles during human development
Simon F Farmer1, John Gibbs, David M Halliday
1Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. s.farmer@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Common drive to motoneurones increases significantly in children aged 7-14 years, particularly around 20 Hz. This late maturation of oscillatory drive in the human nervous system was observed in thumb muscles during isometric contraction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Synergistic muscles share common presynaptic drive, observable via EMG coherence.
- Cortical drive influences high-frequency (16-32 Hz) common drive, linked to ~20 Hz cortical oscillations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate age-related changes in common oscillatory drive to human motoneurone pools.
- Examine developmental trajectory of ~20 Hz common drive in thumb abductor muscles.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed surface EMG signals from short and long thumb abductor muscles during isometric thumb abduction.
- Utilized pooled coherence analysis and chi(2) difference of coherence test on data from 4-14 year olds and adults.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in coherence (11-45 Hz) observed between ages 7-9 and 12-14 years.
- Coherence in 12-14 year olds resembled adult patterns.
- Pronounced differences in ~20 Hz coherence between younger children and older groups.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated significant late maturational changes in ~20 Hz common oscillatory drive to human motoneurones.
- Suggests ongoing development of cortical-motoneuronal pathways into adolescence.
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