Abstract
During training in a novel dynamic environment, the non-dominant upper limb favors feedback control, whereas the dominant limb favors feedforward mechanisms. Early somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) offer a means to explore differences in cortical regions involved in sensorimotor integration (SMI). This study sought to compare differences in SMI between the right (Dom) and left (Non-Dom) hand in healthy right-handed participants. SEPs were recorded in response to median nerve stimulation, at baseline and post, a motor skill acquisition-tracing task. One group (n = 12) trained with their Dom hand and the other group (n = 12), with their Non-Dom hand. The Non-Dom hand was significantly more accurate at baseline (p < 0.0001) and both groups improved with time (p < 0.0001), for task accuracy, with no significant interaction effect between groups for both post-acquisition and retention. There were significant group interactions for the N24 (p < 0.001) and the N30 (p < 0.0001) SEP peaks. Post motor acquisition, the Dom hand had a 28.9% decrease in the N24 and a 23.8% increase in the N30, with opposite directional changes for the Non-Dom hand; 22.04% increase in N24 and 24% decrease in the N30. These SEP changes reveal differences in early SMI between Dom and Non-Dom hands in response to motor acquisition, providing objective, temporally sensitive measures of differences in neural mechanisms between the limbs.
Highlights
The upper limbs allow us to dynamically interact with our environment, which is dependent upon the surroundings in which we are operating in, and the efficiency with which the limbs adapt to change
All participants filled out a safety checklist and Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) self-report questionnaire [37]
According to the inclusion criteria for somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) data analysis, there were no significant differences (p = 0.63) in the N9 SEP peak, and it differed less than ±10% between pre- and post-intervention trials in order for that participant’s data to be included
Summary
The upper limbs allow us to dynamically interact with our environment, which is dependent upon the surroundings in which we are operating in, and the efficiency with which the limbs adapt to change This adaptation is facilitated by the ability of the brain to recall previous experiences and compare these to potential state changes. The central nervous system (CNS) relies on feedforward or predictive and feedback or reflexive control mechanisms, in order to plan motor commands for movement. These control mechanisms are based on the coordination of both visually observed consequences of the motor command and its proprioceptive feedback [7]. Routine daily behavior requires a variety of motor skills that have
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