Somatosensory evoked potentials show plastic changes following a novel motor training task with the thumb.

OBJECTIVE

Accumulating evidence indicates that plastic changes can be maladaptive in nature, resulting in movement and neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to further the understanding of these neurophysiological changes in sensorimotor integration (SMI) using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and concurrent performance changes following a repetitive typing task.

METHODS

SEPs were recorded following median nerve stimulation at the wrist and performed pre and post intervention. 24 participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group which performed a 20min repetitive typing task or a control group which participated in a 20min period of mental recitation.

RESULTS

The P22-N24 amplitude increased by 59.6%, compared to only 0.96% increase following the control. The P22-N30 SEP peak amplitude increased on average 13.4% following the motor training, compared to only 0.92% following the control. Significant improvement in reaction time when comparing performance of the motor task for the intervention group was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The N24 increase supports the involvement of cerebellar connections and the N30 increase provides further support for changes in SMI following motor learning.

SIGNIFICANCE

Combining motor training tasks with electrophysiological techniques gives insight into the mechanisms of disordered SMI and whether the changes are adaptive or maladaptive.