Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2020
Journal
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume
120
Issue
4
First Page
811
Last Page
828
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1007/s00421-020-04320-w
Abstract
© 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. Purpose: Perceptual and goal-directed behaviors may be improved by repetitive sensory stimulations without practice-based training. Focal muscle vibration (f-MV) modulating the spatiotemporal properties of proprioceptive inflow is well-suited to investigate the effectiveness of sensory stimulation in influencing motor outcomes. Thus, in this study, we verified whether optimized f-MV stimulation patterns might affect motor control of upper limb movements. Methods: To answer this question, we vibrated the slightly tonically contracted anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), and pectoralis major muscles in different combinations in forty healthy subjects at a frequency of 100 Hz for 10 min in single or repetitive administrations. We evaluated the vibration effect immediately after f-MV application on upper limb targeted movements tasks, and one week later. We assessed target accuracy, movement mean and peak speed, and normalized Jerk using a 3D optoelectronic motion capture system. Besides, we evaluated AD and PD activity during the tasks using wireless electromyography. Results: We found that f-MV may induce increases (p < 0.05) in movement accuracy, mean speed and smoothness, and changes (p < 0.05) in the electromyographic activity. The main effects of f-MV occurred overtime after repetitive vibration of the AD and PD muscles. Conclusion: Thus, in healthy subjects, optimized f-MV stimulation patterns might over time affect the motor control of the upper limb movement. This finding implies that f-MV may improve the individual’s ability to produce expected motor outcomes and suggests that it may be used to boost motor skills and learning during training and to support functional recovery in rehabilitation.
Notes
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gbb.12705
Sullivan, JA, Dumont, JR, Memar, S, et al. New frontiers in translational research: Touchscreens, open science, and the mouse translational research accelerator platform. Genes, Brain and Behavior. 2021; 20:e12705. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbb.12705