High-Frequency Intermuscular Coherence between Arm Muscles during Robot-Mediated Motor Adaptation
Sara Pizzamiglio1, Martina De Lillo2, Usman Naeem3
1Neuroplasticity and Neurorehabilitation Doctoral Training Programme, Neurorehabilitation Unit, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East LondonLondon, UK; Department of Computer Science, School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East LondonLondon, UK.
Frontiers in Physiology
|January 26, 2017
Summary
New research shows that intermuscular coherence (IMC) helps coordinate arm reaching adaptation. This neural coupling reduces muscle co-contraction and energy use during movement in a force field.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Arm reaching adaptation to novel force fields involves complex muscle activation patterns.
- The neural mechanisms orchestrating multi-muscle coordination during adaptation remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of intermuscular coherence (IMC) in coordinating muscle activation during arm reaching adaptation.
- To determine if IMC facilitates the reduction of co-contraction and energetic costs.
Main Methods:
- 16 subjects performed reaching movements in null and velocity-dependent force fields.
- Electromyography (EMG) recorded muscle activity.
- Intermuscular coherence (IMC) was analyzed between muscle pairs during movement.
Main Results:
- Reaching errors and muscle co-contraction initially increased then decreased during adaptation.
- IMC significantly increased in specific muscle pairs during later adaptation.
- Increased IMC occurred at frequencies of 40-100 Hz during movement.
Conclusions:
- Coherent intermuscular coupling (IMC) plays a crucial role in adapting arm reaching to novel force fields.
- IMC facilitates a reduction in muscle co-contraction and associated energetic costs.
- This neural coordination strategy optimizes movement efficiency during adaptation.
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