Multiple EMG activity and intracortical inhibition and facilitation during a fine finger movement under pressure

J Mot Behav. 2011;43(1):73-81. doi: 10.1080/00222895.2010.542508.

Abstract

The 1st purpose of this study was to examine multiple electromyography (EMG) during voluntary hand movements. A secondary purpose was to investigate possible effects of pressure on intracortical inhibition (ICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) functions of the motor cortex, using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Twelve participants traced a 15-cm diameter target circle using a small laser pointer attached to the right index finger. After 5 acquisition trials, they performed 3 nonpressure trials followed by 3 pressure trials. The results showed that pressure had effects not only on agonist EMG activity but also on multiple muscles, such as synergist. In addition, a decrease in ICI and an increase in ICF were both observed under pressure for muscles other than the agonist.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electromyography / methods*
  • Female
  • Fingers / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Neural Inhibition / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods
  • Young Adult