NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF FUNCTIONAL DE-AFFERENTATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM CAUSED BY WEAK OR ABSENT MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS

Abstract

In this short article we discuss putative effect of decreased ability for movement in the progressive neuromuscular disorders on the central state of brain activity. We propose possibility that such reduced activation of proprioreceptors can lead to partial ‘functional de-afferentation’. Furthermore, we briefly reviewed neurophysiological evidences of peripheral inputs to the central projections. We discussed contribution of the proprioceptive input after passive, active movements and movement induced by vibration of muscles tendons. Finally we are proposing to introduce simple vibratory protocols in daily life of people with progressive neuromuscular disorders in order to prevent central effects of reduced proprioception to endurance of brain activity of people with intact mental functions.