Plasticity in corticomotor pathways linked to a jaw protrusion training task: Potential implications for management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

This study investigated the effect of a repeated and standardized jaw protrusion training (JPT) task on corticomotor excitability as assessed by motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in masseter and tongue muscle with the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Sixteen healthy participants performed three series of a standardized JPT task on three consecutive days. Each day participants performed 41-min of JPT consisting of three series.

Combination of jaw and tongue movement training influences neuroplasticity of corticomotor pathways in humans.

Since humans in daily life perform multiple motor behaviors that often involve the simultaneous activation of both jaw and tongue muscles, it is essential to understand the effects of combined orofacial sensorimotor tasks on plasticity in corticomotor pathways. Moreover, to establish novel rehabilitation programs for patients, it is important to clarify the possible interrelationships in corticomotor excitability between jaw and tongue motor control. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a combination of a repetitive tooth bite task (TBT) and a repetitive tongue lift task (TLT) on corticomotor excitability of the tongue and jaw muscles as assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).