Cortical and Subcortical Correlates of Functional Electrical Stimulation of Wrist Extensor and Flexor Muscles Revealed by fMRI

Hum Brain Mapp, 2009 · DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20559 · Published: March 1, 2009

Neuroimaging Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation therapy used to improve motor abilities after stroke or spinal cord injury. This study used fMRI to observe brain activity in healthy subjects during FES of wrist extensor and flexor muscles. The researchers found reliable activation of sensorimotor networks with both block and event-related designs, suggesting potential for assessing plastic changes during FES rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

15 healthy subjects

Evidence Level

Level 2: fMRI study

Key Findings

1
FES stimulation reliably activates the sensorimotor network, including the contralateral primary motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and premotor cortex.
2
The ipsilateral cerebellum, bilateral secondary somatosensory cortex, supplementary motor area, and anterior cingulate cortex are also activated during FES.
3
Both block and event-related fMRI designs demonstrate consistent and reproducible activation patterns within subjects.

Research Summary

This study investigates the feasibility and reliability of using functional electrical stimulation (FES) in an MRI environment to observe brain activity. The experiment involved alternating stimulation of wrist extensor and flexor muscles while recording fMRI data using both block and event-related designs. The results showed reliable activation of the sensorimotor network, suggesting that FES-fMRI can be used to assess plastic changes associated with FES rehabilitation treatment.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Monitoring

FES-fMRI can be a reliable tool for monitoring plastic changes within cortical areas related to rehabilitative therapy.

Understanding Brain Activation

The study provides insights into the specific brain regions activated during FES-elicited movements, contributing to a better understanding of the sensorimotor network.

Clinical Application

The findings support the potential use of FES-fMRI in longitudinal patient studies to track rehabilitation-induced recovery over time.

Study Limitations

1
A potential limitation of this study is that one cannot distinguish between the effects of stimulation and the effect of potentially voluntary wrist movement.
2
The stimulation was well tolerated, though not comfortable for all subjects.
3
Learning processes may have occurred.

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