Previous studies have shown that beta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) applied at the M1 hotspot can modulate corticospinal excitability. However, it remains controversial whether tACS can influence motor unit activities at the spinal cord level. This study aims to compare the efficacy of applying tACS over the hotspot versus the conventional C3 site on motor unit activities and subsequent behavioral changes. This study used a randomized crossover trial design, where fifteen healthy participants performed a paced ball-squeezing exercise while receiving high-definition tACS (HD-tACS) at 21 Hz and 2 mA for 20 min. HD-tACS targeted either the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) hotspot or the C3 site, with the order of stimulation randomized for each participant and a 1-week washout period between sessions. Motor unit activities were recorded from the FDS. HD-tACS intervention significantly reduced the variability of motor unit firing rates and increased force variability during isometric force production. The significant modulation effects were seen only when the intervention was applied at the hotspot, but not at the C3 site. Our findings demonstrate that HD-tACS significantly modulates motor unit activities and force variability. The results indicate that cortical-level entrainment by tACS can lead to the modulation of spinal motor neuron activities. Additionally, this study provides further evidence that the C3 site may not be the optimal target for tACS intervention for hand muscles, highlighting the need for personalized neuromodulation strategies.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112635 | DOI Listing |
J Voice
December 2024
Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM), Indianapolis, Indiana; IUSM Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indianapolis, Indiana; Purdue University Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana. Electronic address:
Objectives/hypothesis: Given the complex pathology underlying unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), there has been limited systematic exploration of curative treatments in humans. Central to the investigation of experimental therapies includes establishing a reliable and analogous large animal model. The study goal was to create a standardized porcine model of UVFP by establishing characteristic pathophysiology and functional outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpilepsia
December 2024
IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, full member of the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE), Bologna, Italy.
Objective: The STEPPER (Status Epilepticus in Emilia-Romagna) study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment approaches of status epilepticus (SE) in adults of the Emilia-Romagna region (ERR), Northern Italy.
Methods: STEPPER, an observational, prospective, multicentric cohort study, was conducted across neurology units, emergency departments, and intensive care units of the ERR over 24 months (October 2019-October 2021), encompassing incident cases of SE. Patients were followed up for 30 days.
Acta Neuropathol Commun
December 2024
Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Morphology Unit, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, GHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) with neonatal or early infantile onset are usually severe and differ in symptoms, complications, and treatment options. The establishment of a diagnosis relies on the combination of clinical examination, morphological analyses of muscle biopsies, and genetic investigations. Here, we re-evaluated and classified a unique collection of 535 muscle biopsies from NMD infants aged 0-6 months examined over a period of 52 years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLancet Neurol
January 2025
Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Background: Spinal cord injury results in permanent neurological impairment and disability due to the absence of spontaneous regeneration. NG101, a recombinant human antibody, neutralises the neurite growth-inhibiting protein Nogo-A, promoting neural repair and motor recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal NG101 on recovery in patients with acute cervical traumatic spinal cord injury.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEarly Hum Dev
December 2024
Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Neurology, United States of America.
Objective: We examined whether early medical factors predicted variability in developmental level and trajectories in high-risk neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates during the first year of life.
Method: Infants (n = 53) who met criteria for the High-Risk Infant Follow-up Program were enrolled. Simple linear models predicted 12-month developmental abilities and linear mixed models predicted 6- to 12-month trajectories based on length of NICU stay and birthweight.
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