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Published on: January 5, 2014
Hypnotic suggestion alters the state of the motor cortex
Yudai Takarada1, Daichi Nozaki2
1Faculty of Sports Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama 359-1192, Japan.
Abstract:
Hypnosis often leads people to obey a suggestion of movement and to lose perceived voluntariness. This inexplicable phenomenon suggests that the state of the motor system may be altered by hypnosis; however, objective evidence for this is still lacking. Thus, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) to investigate how hypnosis, and a concurrent suggestion that increased motivation for a force exertion task, influenced the state of the motor system. As a result, corticospinal excitability was enhanced, producing increased force exertion, only when the task-motivating suggestion was provided during hypnotic induction, showing that the hypnotic suggestion actually altered the state of M1 and the resultant behavior.
Insights
Hypnotic suggestions can alter motor system activity. This study found that hypnotic suggestions enhanced corticospinal excitability and force exertion by influencing the primary motor cortex (M1).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Motor Control
Background:
- Hypnosis commonly induces obedience to movement suggestions and reduces perceived voluntariness.
- The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of hypnosis affecting the motor system remain unclear.
- Objective evidence linking hypnosis to altered motor system states is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hypnosis on the primary motor cortex (M1) state.
- To examine how hypnotic suggestions influence motor system excitability and behavior.
- To determine if motivational suggestions during hypnosis affect force exertion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to probe the primary motor cortex (M1).
- Administered hypnotic induction with a concurrent suggestion to increase motivation for a force exertion task.
- Measured corticospinal excitability and force output.
Main Results:
- Hypnotic suggestion enhanced corticospinal excitability.
- Force exertion increased significantly when motivational suggestions were given during hypnotic induction.
- Demonstrated a direct link between hypnotic suggestion, M1 state, and motor behavior.
Conclusions:
- Hypnotic suggestions can objectively alter the state of the primary motor cortex (M1).
- Motivational suggestions during hypnosis enhance motor system excitability and performance.
- This provides neurophysiological evidence for hypnosis's effect on motor control.
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