Abstract
This article investigated whether mental imagery training could reduce the detrimental effects produced by limb disuse. Subjects learned a task requiring fifth finger abduction. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were obtained from the abductor digiti minimi muscle using transcranial magnetic stimulation. The arm was casted and the experimental group then practiced using imagery. After seven days, variable error scores increased. The immobilization treatment decreased MEP scores in both groups, with no difference between groups. It is concluded that limb immobilization produces a decrement in the area of motor cortex dedicated to this muscle as a result of disuse. Imagery failed to ameliorate the disuse-related changes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.