Bromazepam impairs motor response: an ERSP study

This study aimed to investigate the acute modulatory effect of bromazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative drug, on alpha and beta bands (8-35Hz) in primary motor areas (M1) through event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP). Ten healthy subjects were submitted to a cross-over double-blind design. Subjects performed a visuomotor task where they had to identify rapidly the ball launched horizontally and catch it quickly, while electroencephalographic activity was acquired. We found a statistically significant difference on the time windows of 2920 ms for 13Hz in the electrodes C3 and Cz, and on the time window of 2000 ms for 18Hz in the electrodes C3, when compared the bromazepam and placebo conditions. We concluded that the acute effects of bromazepam provoked changes in information process in the left M1 represented by electrode C3 in both 13 Hz and 18 Hz. Our paradigm is relevant for a better understanding of the brain dynamics due to the information related to bromazepam effects on sensorimotor processes. We consider this report an invitation to conduct more studies in order to associate electro-cortical activity and psychometric tests.