Abstract
Previous studies have shown significant changes in cortical and subcortical evoked potential activity levels in response to motor training with the distal upper-limb muscles. However, no studies to date have assessed the neurological processing changes in somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) associated with motor training whole-arm movements utilizing proximal upper-limb muscles. The proximal upper-limb muscles are a common source of work-related injuries, due to repetitive glenohumeral movements. Measuring neurophysiological changes following performance of a proximal motor task provide insight into potential neurophysiological changes associated with occupational postures and movements involving proximal upper limb muscles. This study sought to assess the impact of a novel motor skill acquisition task on neural processing of the proximal upper-limb muscle groups, through the measurement of short-latency median nerve SEPs. One group of 12 participants completed a novel motor training task, consisting of tracing a sinusoidal waveform varying in amplitude and frequency. Baseline SEP measurements were recorded from each participant, followed by a mental recitation control task. Pre-test SEP measurements were then recorded, followed by the motor training task, and post-test SEP recordings. The participants completed the tracing with their right thumb, using glenohumeral rotation only to move their hand. Significant improvements in task accuracy were demonstrated, indicating that motor acquisition had occurred. Significant changes were also seen in the N11, N13, N20, N24, P25, and the N30 SEP peaks were seen following the motor training task. Conclusion: Early SEPs appear to be a sensitive measure of changes in sensorimotor integration in response to novel motor skill acquisition within the proximal upper-limb muscles.
Highlights
A key aspect of learning is the ability of the brain to adaptively change the way it processes incoming information based on past experiences
The aim of this study was to determine whether short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) changed in response to a proximal upper-limb motor acquisition-tracing task, which would validate the use of median nerve SEPs to measure changes in cortical plasticity for future work involving proximal upper limb muscles
N13 SEP peak within the present study suggest differing neural activations within the spinal cord for the proximal upper-limb muscles
Summary
A key aspect of learning is the ability of the brain to adaptively change the way it processes incoming information based on past experiences. This ability to adapt is referred to as cortical plasticity and underlies our ability to learn new skills and recover from injury [1]. Learning a skill requires training and repetition; in some instances, there can be deteriorations in movement due to fatigue or even pain as a result of prolonged overuse. Overuse injuries have become prominent in the workplace, with musculoskeletal disorders being one of the most common self-reported illnesses. The shoulder is the most mobile joint which integrates the various structures surrounding the
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