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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
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Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
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Changing connectivity between premotor and motor cortex changes inter-areal communication in the human brain
Jelena Trajkovic1, Vincenzo Romei2, Matthew F S Rushworth3
1Centro studi e ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Netherlands.
Progress in Neurobiology
|June 23, 2023
Summary
Paired associative stimulation alters brainwave synchrony between the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1). These changes in neural oscillations predict motor control during movement and inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Brain Oscillations
Background:
- The ventral premotor cortex (PMv) plays a crucial role in prefrontal control over the primary motor cortex (M1).
- Paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) can modify PMv influence on M1, with context-dependent effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional link between changes in PMv-M1 influence and neural phase synchrony.
- To determine how the direction of ccPAS affects specific frequency bands and their relation to motor behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) between the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1) in humans.
- Measured changes in phase synchrony in different frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta) at rest.
- Correlated resting-state synchrony changes with oscillatory power during movement execution and inhibition.
Main Results:
- PMv-to-M1 ccPAS increased alpha and beta band phase synchrony.
- M1-to-PMv ccPAS decreased theta band phase synchrony.
- These synchrony changes at rest predicted subsequent changes in oscillatory power during motor tasks.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates a functional link between motor network physiology and resonant frequencies governing inter-areal interactions.
- Suggests a mechanism where synaptic efficacy changes are reflected in brain oscillations, impacting motor control.
- Highlights the role of specific frequency bands in mediating directional influences within the motor network.
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