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Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
Motor preparation impairment in multiple sclerosis: Evidence from the Bereitschaftspotential in simple and complex
Benjamin Bardel1, Moussa A Chalah1, Alain Créange2
1Univ Paris Est Creteil, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique (ENT), EA 4391, F-94010 Creteil, France; AP-HP, Henri Mondor university hospital, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, DMU FIxIT, F-94010 Creteil, France.
Objectives:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, characterized by the accumulation of demyelinating lesions and axonal loss over its course. This study aimed to increase current knowledge of motor preparation in this condition, by assessing the two components of the Bereitschaftspotential (BP1 and BP2), also known as the readiness potential.
Methods:
Twelve patients with MS and ten age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were included. Patients' demographic and clinical data were collected. Participants were asked to perform two different tasks, a simple index extension and a Luria sequence. BP1 and BP2 values were obtained from 18 central electroencephalography electrodes and were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Compared to HC, patients with MS showed earlier BP1 onset (i.e., longer latency) in almost all the analyzed scalp regions during index extension. This was also observed during the Luria sequence, but only in the centro-parietal regions. As for BP2 latency, no significant difference was noted between groups during either task. With regard to amplitudes, patients with MS had larger BP1 amplitudes in the right fronto-central area during index extension and greater BP1 and BP2 amplitudes in bilateral centro-parietal and left central regions during the Luria task. BP1 latency was also found to be significantly correlated with disease duration and performance on executive function tests (Trail Making Test).
Conclusions:
This study showed, for the first time, changes in the Bereitschaftspotential in patients with MS. These data reflect prolonged movement preparation in this population and may suggest global alteration of the premotor scheme.
