scholarly journals Mental individuation of imagined finger movements can be achieved using TMS-based neurofeedback

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Mihelj ◽  
Marc Bächinger ◽  
Sanne Kikkert ◽  
Kathy Ruddy ◽  
Nicole Wenderoth
Keyword(s):  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Beta Band ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Single Finger ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Sensorimotor Activity ◽  
Eeg Activation ◽  
New Treatment

ABSTRACTNeurofeedback (NF) in combination with motor imagery (MI) can be used for training individuals to volitionally modulate sensorimotor activity without producing overt movements. However, until now, NF methods were of limited utility for mentally training specific hand and finger actions. Here we employed a novel transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based protocol to probe and detect MI-induced motor activity patterns in the primary motor cortex (M1) with the aim to reinforce selective facilitation of single finger representations. We showed that TMS-NF training but not MI training with uninformative feedback enabled participants to selectively upregulate corticomotor excitability of one finger, while simultaneously downregulating excitability of other finger representations within the same hand. Successful finger individuation during MI was accompanied by strong desynchronisation of sensorimotor brain rhythms, particularly in the beta band, as measured by electroencephalography. Additionally, informative TMS-NF promoted more dissociable EEG activation patterns underlying single finger MI, when compared to MI of the control group where no such feedback was provided. Our findings suggest that selective TMS-NF is a new approach for acquiring the ability of finger individuation even if no overt movements are performed. This might offer new treatment modality for rehabilitation after stroke or spinal cord injury.

scholarly journals Does human primary motor cortex represent sequences of finger movements?

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Yokoi ◽  
Spencer A. Arbuckle ◽  
Jörn Diedrichsen
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Finger Movements ◽  
First Response ◽  
Single Finger ◽  
True Representation ◽  
Sequence Representation ◽  
Dexterous Hand ◽  
Fmri Analysis

AbstractHuman primary motor cortex (M1) is an essential structure for the production of dexterous hand movements. While distinct sub-populations of neurons are activated during single finger movements, it remains unknown whether M1 also represents sequences of multiple finger movements. Using novel multivariate fMRI analysis techniques, we show here that even after 5 days of intense practice there was little or no evidence for a true sequence representation in M1. Rather, the activity patterns for sequences in M1 could be explained by linear combination of patterns associated with the constituent individual finger movements, with the strongest weight on the finger making the first response of the sequence. These results suggest that M1 only represents single finger movements, but receives increased input at the start of a sequence. In contrast, the reliable differences between different sequences in premotor and parietal areas could not be explained by a strong weighting of the first finger, supporting the view that these regions exhibit a true representation of sequences.

scholarly journals A critical re-evaluation of fMRI signatures of motor sequence learning

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Berlot ◽  
Nicola J Popp ◽  
Jörn Diedrichsen
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Learning ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Motor Sequence Learning ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Motor Sequence ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Human Motor ◽  
Brain Changes

Despite numerous studies, there is little agreement about what brain changes accompany motor sequence learning, partly because of a general publication bias that favors novel results. We therefore decided to systematically reinvestigate proposed functional magnetic resonance imaging correlates of motor learning in a preregistered longitudinal study with four scanning sessions over 5 weeks of training. Activation decreased more for trained than untrained sequences in premotor and parietal areas, without any evidence of learning-related activation increases. Premotor and parietal regions also exhibited changes in the fine-grained, sequence-specific activation patterns early in learning, which stabilized later. No changes were observed in the primary motor cortex (M1). Overall, our study provides evidence that human motor sequence learning occurs outside of M1. Furthermore, it shows that we cannot expect to find activity increases as an indicator for learning, making subtle changes in activity patterns across weeks the most promising fMRI correlate of training-induced plasticity.

scholarly journals A critical re-evaluation of fMRI signatures of motor sequence learning

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Berlot ◽  
Nicola J. Popp ◽  
Jörn Diedrichsen
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Learning ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Motor Sequence Learning ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Motor Sequence ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Human Motor ◽  
Brain Changes

AbstractDespite numerous studies, there is little agreement about what brain changes accompany motor sequence learning, partly because of a general publication bias that favors novel results. We therefore decided to systematically reinvestigate proposed functional magnetic resonance imaging correlates of motor learning in a preregistered longitudinal study with four scanning sessions over 5 weeks of training. Activation decreased more for trained than untrained sequences in premotor and parietal areas, without any evidence of learning-related activation increases. Premotor and parietal regions also exhibited changes in the fine-grained, sequence-specific activation patterns early in learning, which stabilized later. No changes were observed in the primary motor cortex (M1). Overall, our study provides evidence that human motor sequence learning occurs outside of M1. Furthermore, it shows that we cannot expect to find activity increases as an indicator for learning, making subtle changes in activity patterns across weeks the most promising fMRI correlate of training-induced plasticity.

scholarly journals Structure of population activity in primary motor cortex for single finger flexion and extension

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer A. Arbuckle ◽  
Jeff Weiler ◽  
Eric A. Kirk ◽  
Charles L. Rice ◽  
Marc Schieber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Muscular Activity ◽  
Finger Movements ◽  
Population Activity ◽  
Single Finger ◽  
Finger Flexion ◽  
Electrophysiological Measurements ◽  
Flexion And Extension

AbstractHow is the primary motor cortex (M1) organized to control fine finger movements? We investigated the population activity in M1 for single finger flexion and extension, using 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in female and male human participants, and compared these results to the neural spiking patterns recorded in two male monkeys performing the identical task. fMRI activity patterns were distinct for movements of different fingers, but quite similar for flexion and extension of the same finger. In contrast, spiking patterns in monkeys were quite distinct for both fingers and directions, similar to what was found for muscular activity patterns. The discrepancy between fMRI and electrophysiological measurements can be explained by two (non-mutually exclusive) characteristics of the organization of finger flexion and extension movements. Given that fMRI reflects predominantly input and recurrent activity, the results can be explained by an architecture in which neural populations that control flexion or extension of the same finger produce distinct outputs, but interact tightly with each other and receive similar inputs. Additionally, neurons tuned to different movement directions for the same finger (or combination of fingers) may cluster closely together, while neurons that control different finger combinations may be more spatially separated. When measuring this organization with fMRI at a coarse spatial scale, the activity patterns for flexion and extension of the same finger would appear very similar. Overall, we suggest that the discrepancy between fMRI and electrophysiological measurements provides new insights into the general organization of fine finger movements in M1.Significance statementThe primary motor cortex (M1) is important for producing individuated finger movements. Recent evidence shows that movements that commonly co-occur are associated with more similar activity patterns in M1. Flexion and extension of the same finger, which never co-occur, should therefore be associated with distinct representations. However, using carefully controlled experiments and multivariate analyses, we demonstrate that human fMRI activity patterns for flexion or extension of the same finger are highly similar. In contrast, spiking patterns measured in monkey M1 are clearly distinct. This suggests that populations controlling opposite movements of the same finger, while producing distinct outputs, may cluster together and share inputs and local processing. These results provide testable hypotheses about the organization of hand control in M1.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOME SALTS 2-AMINOETHANESULFONIC ACID IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF DEGENERATIVE SPINAL CORD INJURY

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Semeleva E.V. ◽  
Blinova E.V. ◽  
Zaborovsky A.V. ◽  
Vasilkina O.V. ◽  
Shukurov A.S.
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Zinc Salt ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Acid Compound ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

In this work, we studied the pharmacological activity of zinc and magnesium salts of 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid in white non-linear male rats with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which was modeled by neurotoxicantsimplication into the pelvic part of spinal cord. After the reproduction of the pathology in animals, the indices of motor activity were recorded in the Rotarod test, and morphological studies of spinal cord sections stained according to Nisl in the Belshovsky modification were carried out. It was shown that the magnesium salt of 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (compound LHT-317) to a greater extent reduces the development of motor disorders in experimental animals compared with the control group on the 4th day of observation. The course of intravenous administration of the studied compounds of 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid did not inhibit morphological changes in the spinal cord that develop in degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the central nervous system: connections. Moreover, if, against the background of treatment with zinc salt, the total area of motor zones in animals of the experimental group exceeded that of control rats, then the number of motoneurons did not differ from the control.

Proteomic Analysis of the Vitreous Body in Proliferative and Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Van-An Duong ◽  
Jeeyun Ahn ◽  
Na-Young Han ◽  
Jong-Moon Park ◽  
Jeong-Hun Mok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Vitreous Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Alpha Beta ◽  
New Treatment

Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), one of the major microvascular complications commonly occurring in diabetic patients, can be classified into Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) and Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR). Currently available therapies are only targeted for later stages of the disease in which some pathologic changes may be irreversible. Thus, there is a need to develop new treatment options for earlier stages of DR through revealing pathological mechanisms of PDR and NPDR. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize proteomes of diabetic through quantitative analysis of PDR and NPDR. Methods: Vitreous body was collected from three groups: control (non-diabetes mellitus), NPDR, and PDR. Vitreous proteins were digested to peptide mixtures and analyzed using LC-MS/MS. MaxQuant was used to search against the database and statistical analyses were performed using Perseus. Gene ontology analysis, related-disease identification, and protein-protein interaction were performed using the differential expressed proteins. Results: Twenty proteins were identified as critical in PDR and NPDR. The NPDR group showed different expressions of kininogen-1, serotransferrin, ribonuclease pancreatic, osteopontin, keratin type II cytoskeletal 2 epidermal, and transthyretin. Also, prothrombin, signal transducer and activator of transcription 4, hemoglobin subunit alpha, beta, and delta were particularly up-regulated proteins for PDR group. The up-regulated proteins related to complement and coagulation cascades. Statherin was down-regulated in PDR and NPDR compared with the control group. Transthyretin was the unique protein that increased its abundance in NPDR compared with the PDR and control group. Conclusion: This study confirmed the different expressions of some proteins in PDR and NPDR. Additionally, we revealed uniquely expressed proteins of PDR and NPDR, which would be differential biomarkers: prothrombin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, hemoglobin subunit alpha, beta, and transthyretin.

scholarly journals Exercise Ameliorates Spinal Cord Injury by Changing DNA Methylation

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Ganchimeg Davaa ◽  
Jin Young Hong ◽  
Tae Uk Kim ◽  
Seong Jae Lee ◽  
Seo Young Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Treadmill Exercise ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
The Brain

Exercise training is a traditional method to maximize remaining function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but the exact mechanism by which exercise promotes recovery after SCI has not been identified; whether exercise truly has a beneficial effect on SCI also remains unclear. Previously, we showed that epigenetic changes in the brain motor cortex occur after SCI and that a treatment leading to epigenetic modulation effectively promotes functional recovery after SCI. We aimed to determine how exercise induces functional improvement in rats subjected to SCI and whether epigenetic changes are engaged in the effects of exercise. A spinal cord contusion model was established in rats, which were then subjected to treadmill exercise for 12 weeks. We found that the size of the lesion cavity and the number of macrophages were decreased more in the exercise group than in the control group after 12 weeks of injury. Immunofluorescence and DNA dot blot analysis revealed that levels of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in the brain motor cortex were increased after exercise. Accordingly, the expression of ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family members (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3) in the brain motor cortex also elevated. However, no macrophage polarization was induced by exercise. Locomotor function, including Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and ladder scores, also improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. We concluded that treadmill exercise facilitates functional recovery in rats with SCI, and mechanistically epigenetic changes in the brain motor cortex may contribute to exercise-induced improvements.

scholarly journals Psycho-Electrophysiological Benefits of Forest Therapies Focused on Qigong and Walking with Elderly Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3004
Author(s):  
Jiyune Yi ◽  
Seul Gee Kim ◽  
Taegyu Khil ◽  
Minja Shin ◽  
Jin-Hee You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Other ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Beta Band ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Beneficial Effects

We developed two distinct forest therapy programs (FTPs) and compared their effects on dementia prevention and related health problems for older adults. One was focused on Qigong practice in the forest (QP) and the other involved active walking in the forest (WP). Both FTPs consisted of twelve 2-h sessions over six weeks and were conducted in an urban forest. We obtained data from 25, 18, and 26 participants aged 65 years or above for the QP, WP, and control groups, respectively. Neuropsychological scores via cognition (MoCA), geriatric depression (GDS) and quality of life (EQ-5D), and electrophysiological variables (electroencephalography, bioimpedance, and heart rate variability) were measured. We analyzed the intervention effects with a generalized linear model. Compared to the control group, the WP group showed benefits in terms of neurocognition (increases in the MoCA score, and alpha and beta band power values in the electroencephalogram), sympathetic nervous activity, and bioimpedance in the lower body. On the other hand, the QP group showed alleviated depression and an increased bioimpedance phase angle in the upper body. In conclusion, both active walking and Qigong in the forest were shown to have distinctive neuropsychological and electrophysiological benefits, and both had beneficial effects in terms of preventing dementia and relieving related health problems for elderly individuals.

scholarly journals Brain fMRI during orientation selective epidural spinal cord stimulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonietta Canna ◽  
Lauri J. Lehto ◽  
Lin Wu ◽  
Sheng Sang ◽  
Hanne Laakso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Brain Fmri

AbstractEpidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) is widely used for chronic pain treatment, and is also a promising tool for restoring motor function after spinal cord injury. Despite significant positive impact of ESCS, currently available protocols provide limited specificity and efficiency partially due to the limited number of contacts of the leads and to the limited flexibility to vary the spatial distribution of the stimulation field in respect to the spinal cord. Recently, we introduced Orientation Selective (OS) stimulation strategies for deep brain stimulation, and demonstrated their selectivity in rats using functional MRI (fMRI). The method achieves orientation selectivity by controlling the main direction of the electric field gradients using individually driven channels. Here, we introduced a similar OS approach for ESCS, and demonstrated orientation dependent brain activations as detected by brain fMRI. The fMRI activation patterns during spinal cord stimulation demonstrated the complexity of brain networks stimulated by OS-ESCS paradigms, involving brain areas responsible for the transmission of the motor and sensory information. The OS approach may allow targeting ESCS to spinal fibers of different orientations, ultimately making stimulation less dependent on the precision of the electrode implantation.

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