Related Experiment Videos
Changes of cortical motor area size during immobilization
J Liepert1, M Tegenthoff, J P Malin
1Department of Neurology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Motor cortex maps shrink with ankle immobilization, showing functional changes. This cortical plasticity reverses quickly with muscle use, indicating a non-permanent effect.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Cortical Plasticity
Background:
- Motor cortex organization changes after nervous system lesions.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to map the motor cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cortical plasticity in patients with unilateral ankle immobilization.
- To determine the functional changes in motor cortex organization due to disuse.
Main Methods:
- Studied 22 patients with unilateral ankle immobilization.
- Mapped motor cortex using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
- Assessed spinal excitability and motor threshold.
Main Results:
- The motor cortex area for the inactivated tibial anterior muscle diminished compared to the unaffected leg.
- No changes were observed in spinal excitability or motor threshold.
- Area reduction correlated with immobilization duration and reversed quickly with voluntary contraction.
Conclusions:
- Ankle immobilization leads to functional changes in motor cortex organization.
- Cortical plasticity observed is reversible and likely functional, not morphological.
- Muscle disuse causes rapid, adaptable changes in the motor cortex map.