Time course effect of corticospinal excitability for motor imagery

Abstract

This study examined the effect of temporal changes in corticospinal excitability in motor imagery (MI) and the effect of real‐time guides for MI on excitability changes. The MI task involved wrist flexion and motor evoked potentials using transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded and examined from the flexor carpi radialis. Ballistic (momentary MI) and tonic (continuous MI) conditions were used, and the duration of each MI was different. In Experiment 1, each MI task was performed using an acoustic trigger. In Experiment 2, a real‐time guide was presented on a computer screen, which provided a visual indication of the onset and duration of the MI task through via moving dots on the screen. The results indicate that the corticospinal excitability changed differently, depending on the duration of MI. Additionally, with real‐time guides, the change in corticospinal excitability became clearer. Thus, corticospinal excitability changes due to the temporal specificities of MI, as well as with actual motor output. Moreover, if MI is actively performed without a guide, it is likely to show an unintended change in corticospinal excitability. It is suggested that when MI is performed with visual guide, the excitatory changes of the corticospinal tract might be different from the actual motor output. Therefore, when using MI for mental practices, it is possible to improve the effect of a guide for MI, such as a visual indicator for motor output. Additionally, when examining neural activities in MI, it may be necessary to consider the characteristics of motion performed by MI.

Edge Computing-Based Athletic Ability Testing for Sports

“…The goal of standardization and automation of sports has been achieved through the development of professional sports models. However, research has shown that current higher education and physical education in higher education institutions have had a significant impact on the dual thinking of "competence," while practical training, technical training, and physical training are faced with a "dual" confrontation (Takenaka et al, 2023). The focus is on individual sports and professional training.…”

Corticospinal excitability changes during muscle relaxation and contraction in motor imagery

“…We have previously reported that a real‐time guide for MI with visual priming for timing and intensity could improve the MI accuracy for detecting changes in the corticospinal excitability (Takenaka et al, 2021). Here, we further integrate previous research showing that MI was more effective at enhancing corticospinal excitability when participants additionally observed the movement of others (Mouthon et al, 2015; Sun et al, 2016; Tsukazaki et al, 2012; Wright et al, 2014, 2015, 2016).…”

“…Here, we further integrate previous research showing that MI was more effective at enhancing corticospinal excitability when participants additionally observed the movement of others (Mouthon et al, 2015; Sun et al, 2016; Tsukazaki et al, 2012; Wright et al, 2014, 2015, 2016). This combination approach is potentially more effective in improving motor performance (Eaves et al, 2016); a real‐time MI guide has exhibited similar effects (Takenaka et al, 2021). In the present study, MI was used with a visual real‐time guide to improve and enhance its accuracy.…”

Research on Rehabilitation Training Strategies Using Multimodal Virtual Scene Stimulation

“…Studies (Pfurtscheller and Neuper, 1997) also have shown that stroke patients can perform motor imagery to partially activate the damaged motor network (Fumanal-Idocin et al, 2021). In addition, studies have found that the rehabilitation treatment model combining BCI and VR technology is suitable for people suffering from stroke (Varsehi and Firoozabadi, 2021), depression, addiction and other diseases (Takenaka et al, 2021). VR-guided action offers the advantages of intuitive and specific actions and a strong sense of substitution (Velasquez-Martinez et al, 2020).…”