Abstract
The aim of this study was proposing gamma band activity (GBA) as an index of training-related brain plasticity in the motor cortex. Sixteen controls underwent an experimental session where electroencephalography (EEG) activity was recorded at baseline (resting) and during a motor task (hand movements). GBA was obtained from the EEG data at baseline and during the task. Index of plasticity (IP) was defined as the relationship between GBA at the end of the motor task (GBAM_FIN), divided by GBA at the beginning of the task (GBAM_INI) for movements of both hands. There was a significant increase in GBA at the end of the task, compared to the initial GBA for the motor task (GBAM_FIN > GBAM_INI). No differences were found at baseline (GBAB_FIN ≈ GBAB_INI). Individual IP values had a positive (r = 0.624) and significant correlation with subject’s handedness. Due to plastic changes, GBA could indirectly but objectively reveal changes in cerebral activity related to physical training. This method could be used as a future diagnostic test in the follow-up of patients undergoing rehabilitation. It could also have potential applications in the fields of sports medicine.
Highlights
Plasticity is an intrinsic property of the human brain that enables it to adapt to variations in the physical environment, physiologic changes and new experiences
gamma band activity (GBA) proposed as an index of training-related brain plasticity analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
The aim of this study is to describe a new EEG-based method to quantify the effects of motor training by measuring plastic changes in the brain cortex, via GBA related to motor activity
Summary
Plasticity is an intrinsic property of the human brain that enables it to adapt to variations in the physical environment, physiologic changes and new experiences. Plastic changes occur by modifying pre-existing neuronal connections through changes in cortico-cortical and corticosub-cortical networks in response to new afferent impulses or efferent demands. This way, the initial modifications changed-mediated at molecular and cellular level can be followed by the establishment of new connections through dendritic growth and arborisation [1]. One of the founding fathers in the study of brain plasticity, Santiago Ramon y Cajal, already argued in his book, Textura del Sistema Nervioso [2], that the ability to modify behavior must. There was no additional external funding received for this study
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