Activation of the sensorimotor cortex using a device for mechanical stimulation of the plantar support zones

Abstract

Numerous studies on the mechanisms of the motor control carried out in the interests of space medicine resulted in a concept on the leading role of the support afferent input in the regulation of the pos tural tonic system in mammals. The implementation of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has permitted in vivo brain mapping during stimulation of the support afferent input. The goal of this study was to identify activated regions in the brain during mechanical stimulation of the plantar support zones in dif ferent modes using a special Korvit simulator. Twelve healthy volunteers (six women and six men) aged from 22 to 42 years were studied using fMRI, each of them was scanned once. The fMRI protocol for each subject consisted of two different blocked paradigms: (1) with the soles of a subject stimulated in an imitated standing mode and (2) with the soles stimulated in an imitation slow walking mode. The patterns of activation in each mode were analyzed using the SPM5 statistical software package for each subject and for the group as a whole. All the paradigms showed significant activation (p correct < 0. 05 at the cluster level) in the primary somatosen sory, premotor, dorsolateral and prefrontal cortices, as well as in the insula. The involvement of the prefrontal cortex during simulation of standing and a broad involvement of the primary and secondary sensorimotor cortices during simulation of slow walking were found.

Brain Activity during Mental Imagery of Gait Versus Gait-Like Plantar Stimulation: A Novel Combined Functional MRI Paradigm to Better Understand Cerebral Gait Control

“…Both organized and chaotic plantar stimulation using the Korvit system activated SM1 and S2 bilaterally. The Korvit boots were designed to stimulate the supporting areas of the feet, which have a maximal density of mechanoreceptors, in order produce gait-like somatosensory inflow ( Kremneva et al, 2012 ). Activation of SM1 was principally in the paracentral lobule, particularly on the medial surface, which relates to the lower limbs.…”

“…Activation of these areas was also found in previous reports using various plantar stimulators (vibrotactile, pneumatic etc.) ( Golaszewski et al, 2006 ; Kremneva et al, 2012 ; Hao et al, 2013 ). Moreover, the ORGANIZED > IMAGINATION contrast revealed activity in SM1 and S2 and, interestingly, was similar to the results of the motor study by Gerardin et al ( Gerardin et al, 2000 ), which demonstrated greater activation of both these regions during movement execution compared to mental imagery.…”

“…Some studies have used somatosensory stimulation of the foot, particularly vibrotactile stimulation ( Golaszewski et al, 2006 ) to explore the feedback loops that contribute to the control of standing and walking. An MRI-compatible system of boots, the “Korvit” system ( Kremneva et al, 2012 ), generates well-controlled, reproducible mechanical stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot by the application of pneumatic pressure on the relevant support zones, in a pattern which reproduces the pressures generated during gait. This system has been used to evaluate brain activity during plantar stimulations that mimicked standing and slow gait ( Kremneva et al, 2012 ).…”

“…An MRI-compatible system of boots, the “Korvit” system ( Kremneva et al, 2012 ), generates well-controlled, reproducible mechanical stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot by the application of pneumatic pressure on the relevant support zones, in a pattern which reproduces the pressures generated during gait. This system has been used to evaluate brain activity during plantar stimulations that mimicked standing and slow gait ( Kremneva et al, 2012 ). However, it is not known if the brain activity generated was the result of the fact that the plantar pressures represented pressures produced during gait, or if it was simply the result of the pressure on the feet.…”

Expanded benefits for humanity from the International Space Station

“…The clinical version of this suit is used for the comprehensive and drug-free treatment of cerebral palsy in children in Russia [25]. Another clinical variation of this suit is used on patients who have suffered from stroke or brain trauma [26]. 2 …”