With the ACS we can exploit the untapped potential of the PAMs by assigning them a new, complex function. The inherent advantages of the ACS, such as not interfering with oral communication, robustness, stability over time and proportional and continuous signal generation, meet the specific needs of wheelchair users and render it a realistic alternative to currently available assistive technologies.
BackgroundMost humans have the ability to activate the auricular muscles. Although
(intentional) control suggests an involvement of higher cortical centers
underlying posterior auricular muscle (PAM) activation, the cortical
representation of the auricular muscles is still unknown.MethodsWith the purpose of identifying a possible cortical representation area we
performed automated robotic and image-guided transcranial magnetic
stimulation (TMS) mapping (n = 8) and functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) (n = 13). For topographical comparison, a similar experimental
protocol was applied for the first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI) of the
hand.ResultsThe calculated centers of gravity (COGs) of both muscles were located on the
precentral gyrus with the PAM COGs located more laterally compared to the
FDI. The distance between the mean PAM and mean FDI COG was 26.3 mm. The TMS
mapping results were confirmed by fMRI, which showed a dominance of cortical
activation within the precentral gyrus during the corresponding motor tasks.
The correspondence of TMS and fMRI results was high.ConclusionThe involvement of the primary motor cortex in PAM activation might point to
an evolved function of the auricular muscles in humans and/or the ability of
intentional (and selective) muscle activation.
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