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Corticospinal Adaptation to Short-Term Horizontal Balance Perturbation Training
Nijia Hu1, Jarmo M Piirainen2, Dawson J Kidgell3
1NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland.
Brain Sciences
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Repeated balance perturbation training improved body sway control. Neural adaptations suggest increased spinal-level involvement, potentially indicating greater movement automaticity after training.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Balance control is crucial for daily activities.
- Sensorimotor and strength training enhance balance, but neural mechanisms of perturbation training are unclear.
- Investigating corticospinal and spinal adaptations to repeated balance perturbations is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate corticospinal adaptation using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Hoffman-reflex (H-reflex) measurements.
- To assess changes in balance performance after repeated balance perturbation training.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying improved balance control.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen subjects underwent three perturbation sessions with TMS and electrical stimulation.
- Balance perturbation involved anterior/posterior platform movements.
- Motor evoked potentials (MEP) and H-reflexes were measured in the soleus muscle.
- Body sway was quantified by center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity.
Main Results:
- Balance perturbation training significantly reduced body sway (COP displacement and velocity).
- No significant changes in MEP or H-reflex amplitudes were observed across sessions.
- Early post-perturbation MEP (40 ms) correlated positively with sway, while H-reflex correlated negatively.
Conclusions:
- Repeated balance perturbation training enhances balance performance by reducing body sway.
- Neural adaptations may involve increased spinal-level involvement, suggesting a shift towards movement automaticity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the neural mechanisms of perturbation training.
