Function-Specific Targeted rTMS Synergy with Motor Imagery Enhances the Learning of Sports Skills
Poster No:
52
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Hong Li1, Chun Luo1, Kang-Jia Chen2, Jia-Hui Liu1, Zu-Juan Ye1, Jue Wang1
Institutions:
1Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 2University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Introduction:
The primary motor cortex stands out as the most commonly targeted region for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (Stinear et al., 2009), modulating motor function and engaging in activities (Hamano et al., 2021). It currently represents a vital target region for inducing plasticity in motor skill learning (Saisanen et al., 2021). The conventional target hand motor hotspot is determined by Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP), reflecting the conduction of corticospinal tract. Cortical excitability, as assessed by MEP measurements, serves as an indicator of neural architecture in the brain. Studies have shown that despite no differences in cortical excitability and behavioral test between groups, facilitatory TMS still enhances cortical plasticity in the experimental group (Kolbasi et al., 2023). Pointing function-specific target may yield better modulatory effects than hotspot (Wang et al., 2020). During the early stages of training, instructing participants on errors and correct techniques could enhance sport performance, especially in mastering more challenging skills (Tzetzis and Votsis, 2006). Motor imagery training involves repetitively mentally rehearsing the correct technique, enhancing muscle control through cognitive brain areas associated with motor function. The goal is to improve complex sports skills and prevent injuries during physical activity (Ladda et al., 2021). One study found overlapping voxel activation in the brain when participants imagined wrist flexion and extension movements compared to the actual execution of these movements (Szameitat et al., 2012). In our study, we utilized the back gliding shot-putting as a motor imagery task, identified function-specific targets through fMRI, and applied 10 Hz repetitive TMS in conjunction with motor imagery to enhance participants' motor performance.
Methods:
We recruited 45 healthy, right-handed Physical Education students who were randomly assigned to three groups: the function-specific target, hotspot, and without rTMS groups. All three groups underwent 7 consecutive days of motor imagery training and physical practice of the back gliding shot-putting technique. Subsequently, all participants underwent two behavioral assessments and magnetic resonance imaging scans (including task and resting state) both before and after rTMS. The activation peak voxel of the motor imagery task was defined as the function-specific target. The function-specific target and hotspot groups received 7 days of 10 Hz rTMS, with a stimulation intensity set at 100% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), totaling 1800 pulses per day. A spherical region of interest (ROI) with a radius of 4 mm was computed for whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) using the coordinates of the stimulation targets (task activation peak voxel for the without rTMS group).
Results:
Significant alterations in thigh angle during the gliding phase, torso angle at left foot landing during the transition phase, and torso angle at right foot landing were observed with the function-specific target group > hotspot group > without rTMS group. Figure 1 illustrates substantial differences in the spatial distribution of function-specific targets and hotspots. ANOVA conducted on FC maps revealed a significant modulatory effect in the supplementary motor area (GRF correction, voxel level p < 0.001, cluster level p < 0.05) (Figure 2a). Post-hoc comparisons indicated a significantly larger alteration in FC for both rTMS groups compared to the group without rTMS (Figure 2b). All three groups exhibited significant alterations in FC, with a marked decrease in the two rTMS groups and a significant increase in the group without rTMS (Figure 2c).
·Figure 1. The spatial distribution of function-specific targets and hotspots
·Figure 2. The intervention effect across all three groups.
Conclusions:
The application of rTMS, particularly when administered to function-specific targets, has demonstrated a noteworthy synergy with motor imagery training. This synergy significantly contributes to enhancing the learning outcomes of participants involved in acquiring complex sports skills.
Brain Stimulation:
Non-invasive Magnetic/TMS 1
Higher Cognitive Functions:
Imagery
Learning and Memory:
Skill Learning
Motor Behavior:
Motor Behavior Other
Novel Imaging Acquisition Methods:
BOLD fMRI 2
Keywords:
ADULTS
Cortex
Motor
MRI
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
Provide references using author date format
Kolbasi, E.N. (2023), 'Enhancement of motor skill acquisition by intermittent theta burst stimulation: a pilot study', Acta Neurologica Belgica, vol. 123, no. 3, pp. 971-977
Ladda, A. M. (2021), 'Using motor imagery practice for improving motor performance - A review', Brain and cognition, vol. 150, no. 105705
Säisänen, L. (2021), 'Primary hand motor representation areas in healthy children, preadolescents, adolescents, and adults', NeuroImage, vol. 228, no. 117702
Stinear, C. M. (2009), 'Repetitive stimulation of premotor cortex affects primary motor cortex excitability and movement preparation', Brain stimulation, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 152–162
Szameitat, A. J. (2012), 'Cortical activation during executed, imagined, observed, and passive wrist movements in healthy volunteers and stroke patients', NeuroImage, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 266–280.
Tzetzis, G. (2006), 'Three feedback methods in acquisition and retention of badminton skills', Perceptual and Motor Skills, vol. 102, no. 1, pp. 275-284
Wang, J. (2020), 'High-Frequency rTMS of the Motor Cortex Modulates Cerebellar and Widespread Activity as Revealed by SVM', Frontiers in neuroscience, vol. 14, no. 186