Effects of Repetitive Finger Movements Performed at Different Frequencies on Somatosensory Evoked Potentials.

[Purpose] To examine the effects of repetitive finger movements performed at different frequencies on the sensory system of the ipsilateral upper arm using somatosensory evoked potentials. [Subjects] Thirteen healthy adults participated in the study. [Methods] We recorded SEPs by stimulating the right median nerve during movement of the right index finger and at rest. The subjects were given motor tasks, involving repetitive flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right index finger, and the movement frequencies tested were 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 3 Hz. [Results] The amplitude of the positive peak appearing 23 ms after stimulation (P23) and the amplitude of the negative peak appearing 20 ms after stimulation (N20) were significantly lower at the movement frequency of 3 Hz than at the other frequencies. [Conclusion] Restraint was observed in the first somatosensory area during repetitive finger movements, and this restraint was higher during finger exercises performed at a high frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]