Abstract
Objective We aimed to characterize changes in motor cortex function in Asperger’s syndrome (AS) with MRI-navigated TMS and related abnormalities in fine motor skills. Methods Eight boys with AS (aged 8–11 years) and eight neurotypical controls were studied. Resting motor threshold and motor-evoked potentials were determined for abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle. Functional motor areas for six hand muscles (APB, ADM, FDI, FCR, ECR and BB) were mapped at 110% of rMT. Center of gravities of representations and the sizes of representation areas were determined. Both hemispheres were studied. Manual dexterity was assessed by Box and Block Test. Results AS boys had larger arm/hand ratio in left hemisphere ( p = 0.010) and larger left/right ratio for arm ( p = 0.014) than controls. Other TMS-related measures were similar between the groups. AS boys also had poorer manual dexterity than controls ( p = 0.005). Arm/hand representation ratio in the left hemisphere (Spearman’s correlation coefficient − 0.528, p = 0.036) and left/right arm representation ratio (−0.760, p = 0.001) correlated negatively with manual dexterity. Conclusions Sizes of upper arm representation areas are altered in AS and they correlate with fine motor skills. Key message Changes in motor cortex function may partly explain abnormalities and impairments in fine motor skills among children with AS.
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