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Unilateral Pyramidotomy of the Corticospinal Tract in Rats for Assessment of Neuroplasticity-inducing Therapies
Published on: December 15, 2014
Corticomotor plasticity following unilateral strength training
Alicia M Goodwill1, Alan J Pearce, Dawson J Kidgell
1Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.
Muscle & Nerve
|August 22, 2012
Summary
Unilateral leg strength training enhances strength in both legs and increases motor cortex excitability. This suggests brain adaptations, specifically within the ipsilateral motor cortex, influence strength gains.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Unilateral leg strength training's effects on the ipsilateral motor cortex are not fully understood.
- Investigating changes in motor cortex excitability and intracortical inhibition following such training is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of 3 weeks of unilateral leg strength training on ipsilateral motor cortex (iM1) excitability.
- To assess changes in short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) within the iM1.
Main Methods:
- 14 right-leg dominant participants were assigned to a strength training (ST) or control group.
- The ST group underwent 9 sessions of single right leg squats (4 sets of 6-8 repetitions).
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure iM1 excitability and SICI.
Main Results:
- A 41% increase in right leg strength and a 35% increase in left leg strength were observed.
- Significant increases in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude recruitment curves for the left leg were noted.
- A 21% decrease in SICI of the iM1 for the left leg was found.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral leg strength training induces corticomotor adaptations within the ipsilateral motor cortex.
- These adaptations are modulated by alterations in interhemispheric inhibition.
- The findings highlight the brain's role in adapting to targeted strength training.
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