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Visual feedback-related changes in ipsilateral cortical excitability during unimanual movement: Implications for mirror therapy

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 01:22 authored by Reissig, P, Michael GarryMichael Garry, Jeffery SummersJeffery Summers, Mark HinderMark Hinder
Provision of a mirror image of a hand undertaking a motor task (i.e., mirror therapy) elicits behavioural improvements in the inactive hand. A greater understanding of the neural mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon is required to maximise its potential for rehabilitation across the lifespan, e.g., following hemiparesis or unilateral weakness. Young and older participants performed unilateral finger abductions with no visual feedback, with feedback of the active or passive hands, or with a mirror image of the active hand. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess feedback-related changes in two neurophysiological measures thought to be involved in inter-manual transfer of skill, namely corticospinal excitability (CSE) and intracortical inhibition (SICI) in the passive hemisphere. Task performance led to CSE increases, accompanied by decreases of SICI, in all visual feedback conditions relative to rest. However, the changes due to mirror feedback were not significantly different to those observed in the other (more standard) visual conditions. Accordingly, the unimanual motor action itself, rather than modifications in visual feedback, appears more instrumental in driving changes in CSE and SICI. Therefore, changes in CSE and SICI are unlikely to underpin the behavioural benefits of mirror therapy. We discuss implications for rehabilitation and directions of future research.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Volume

24

Issue

6

Pagination

936-957

ISSN

1464-0694

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Routledge

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Taylor & Francis

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other health not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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