Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
08:29
Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: November 7, 2025
397
Cortical Plasticity After Surgical Tendon Transfer in Tetraplegics
Knut Wester1,2, Leiv M Hove1,3, Roger Barndon4
1Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|July 4, 2018
Summary
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) shows the human brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroplasticity
- Human Brain Imaging
Background:
- Cortical plasticity, or brain reorganization, is observed in animals after sensory input loss.
- Studies suggest similar brain plasticity may occur in adult humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cortical reorganization in humans using fMRI.
- To examine changes in brain representation after altering muscle function in spinal cord injury patients.
Main Methods:
- fMRI scans were performed on tetraplegic patients before and after surgery.
- Surgery rerouted an elbow flexor muscle to function as a thumb flexor for grip.
- Cortical activity was mapped during attempted movements.
Main Results:
- Preoperatively, elbow flexion activated the typical 'elbow area' of the cortex.
- Postoperatively, using the rerouted muscle for grip activated the 'hand area' of the cortex.
- This indicates a shift in cortical representation from elbow to hand control.
Conclusions:
- The human cortex demonstrates spatial reorganization after peripheral functional changes.
- fMRI confirms the brain's adaptability in response to altered motor function.
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