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Long-term limb immobilization modulates inhibition-related electrophysiological brain activity

Authors :
Valentina Bruno
Irene Ronga
Carlotta Fossataro
Mattia Galigani
Katiuscia Sacco
Francesca Garbarini
Source :
NeuroImage, Vol 218, Iss , Pp 116911- (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Elsevier, 2020.

Abstract

The effect of long-term immobilization on the motor system has been described during motor preparation, imagination or execution, when the movement has to be performed. But, what happens when the movement has to be suppressed? Does long-term limb immobilization modulate physiological responses underlying motor inhibition? Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in healthy participants performing a Go/Nogo task, either with both hands free to respond (T1/T4: before/after the immobilization) or when left-hand movements were prevented by a cast (T2: as soon as the cast was positioned; T3: after one week of immobilization). In the right (control) side, N140, N2, and P3 components showed the expected greater amplitude in Nogo than in Go trials, irrespective of the timepoint. On the contrary, in the left (manipulated) side, each component of the ERP responses to Nogo trials showed specific differences across timepoints, suggesting that the inhibition-related EEG activity is significantly reduced by the presence of the cast and the duration of the immobilization. Furthermore, inhibition-related theta band activity to Nogo stimuli decreased at post-immobilization blocked session (T3-blocked). Altogether these findings can be interpreted as a consequence of the plastic changes induced by the immobilization, as also demonstrated by the cast-related corticospinal excitability modulation (investigated by using TMS) and by the decreased beta band in response to Go and Nogo trials. Thus, only if we are free to move, then inhibitory responses are fully implemented. After one week of immobilization, the amount of inhibition necessary to block the movement is lower and, consequently, inhibitory-related responses are reduced.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10959572
Volume :
218
Issue :
116911-
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
NeuroImage
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.45b7130346eb48dfa6f4c2c39c88d312
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116911