Short-interval intracortical inhibition influences cortical excitability to the biceps brachii during arm cycling, but is not different from an intensity-matched tonic contraction

Alcock, Lynsey Rose (2017) Short-interval intracortical inhibition influences cortical excitability to the biceps brachii during arm cycling, but is not different from an intensity-matched tonic contraction. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Rhythmic and alternating movements, such as walking and cycling tasks, are studied to better understand the mechanisms of neural control involved in human voluntary motor output. Researchers can apply this understanding to current rehabilitative techniques commonly used among those suffering from disuse, disease, and disability. Studies have shown that although locomotor tasks are largely spinally-mediated, supraspinal centres (above the level of the spinal cord) are also involved in generating these movements. The motor cortex, for example, is comprised of both facilitative and inhibitory circuits which produce an overall effect on neurons projecting to muscles, resulting in either increased or decreased excitability. The mechanisms responsible for these effects are complex, variable depending on type of motor task, and are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine a mechanism of cortical inhibition during arm cycling, which is a model of locomotor output.

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