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Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation
Published on: December 31, 2013
Corticospinal interaction during isometric compensation for modulated forces with different frequencies
José R Naranjo1, Xi Wang, Jürgen Schulte-Mönting
1Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
BMC Neuroscience
|January 4, 2011
Summary
Force modulation frequency did not affect corticomuscular coherence (CMC) in beta or gamma ranges during isometric tasks. Individual differences may influence CMC, while performance errors increased with modulation frequency.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Corticomuscular coherence (CMC) is observed in beta or gamma ranges during isometric force compensation.
- The impact of force modulation frequency on CMC remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of force modulation frequency on CMC.
- To examine motor performance and cortical spectral power during a visuomotor task.
Main Methods:
- Subjects performed isometric force compensation of a modulated force (8% MVC) at 0.6, 1.0, and 1.6 Hz.
- EEG, EMG (index finger, flexor, extensor muscles), and finger position were recorded.
Main Results:
- CMC was present in beta (15-30 Hz) and gamma (28-45 Hz) ranges, varying between individuals.
- Force modulation frequency did not alter beta- and gamma-range CMC or cortical spectral power.
- A distinct 1.6 Hz CMC peak occurred in gamma-range CMC subjects; performance error increased linearly with frequency.
Conclusions:
- Force modulation frequency does not impact beta- and gamma-range CMC during low-level isometric force compensation.
- Interindividual and potential strategy differences may underlie observed CMC patterns.
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