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Biomedical subjects

A Stancák

Publications and source records attributed to A Stancák.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Interaction of tactile input in the human primary and secondary somatosensory cortex--a magnetoencephalographic study.

Interaction of simultaneous tactile input at two finger sites in primary (SI) and secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) was studied by whole-head magnetoencephalography. Short pressure pulses were delivered to fingers of the right and left hand at an interstimulus interval of 1.6 s. The first phalanx of the left digit 1 and four other sites were stimulated either separately or simultaneously. We compared four sites with increasing distance: the second phalanx of left digit 1, left digit 5, and digits 1 and 5 of the right hand. The temporal evolution of source activity in the contralateral SI and bilateral SII was calculated using spatiotemporal source analysis. Interaction was assessed by comparing the source activity during simultaneous stimulation with the sum of the source activities elicited by separate stimulation. Significant suppressive interaction was observed in contralateral SI only for stimuli at the same hand, decreasing with distance. In SII, all digits of the same and the opposite hand interacted significantly with left digit 1. When stimulating bilaterally, SII source waveforms closely resembled the time course of the response to separate stimulation of the opposite hand. Thus, in bilateral simultaneous stimulation, the contralateral input arriving first in SII appeared to inhibit the later ipsilateral input. Similarly, the separate response to input at two unilateral finger sites which arrived slightly earlier in SII dominated the simultaneous response. Our results confirm previous findings of considerable overlap in the cortical hand representation in SII and illustrate hemispheric specialization to contralateral input when simultaneous stimuli occur bilaterally.

Adult↗

The electroencephalographic beta synchronization following extension and flexion finger movements in humans.

The cortical post-movement beta synchronization (PMBS) following brisk extension-flexion and flexion-extension movements of the right index finger was analyzed in twelve right-handed subjects using electroencephalographic recordings. The amplitude of PMBS over the contralateral sensorimotor area was enhanced and the focus of PMBS was widespread when finger flexion was the last movement. The results suggest that finger extension and flexion movements induce unequal beta synchronization over the contralateral M1 area possibly due to different complexity of the neuronal networks controlling these movements.

Adult↗

Lateralization of movement-related potentials and the size of corpus callosum.

Using structural MRI and whole-head EEG recordings, we analyzed the correlations between the anatomical parameters of the corpus callosum and the hemispheric distribution of the cortical movement-related potentials during right finger and shoulder movements in nine right-handed men. Statistically significant correlation was found only in finger movements. A relatively large genu and the anterior part of the truncus of the corpus callosum correlated with enhanced pre-movement EEG potential over the ipsilateral M1/S1 area. The lateralization of the movement-related potentials correlates with the size of those callosal regions which connect the homologous areas of the primary sensorimotor and frontal cortices.

Adult↗

Oscillatory cortical activity and movement-related potentials in proximal and distal movements.

OBJECTIVES: Event-related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha- and beta-rhythms, the post-movement beta-synchronization and the cortical movement-related potentials were analyzed in distal (finger) and proximal (shoulder) movements. METHODS: EEG was recorded in 7 healthy right-handed men using a 59-channel whole-head EEG system while subjects performed self-paced movements. RESULTS: The amplitude of the Bereitschaftspotential (BP) was greater over the central midline area and smaller over the contralateral sensorimotor hand area in shoulder than in finger movements. The maximal alpha- and beta-ERD was localized at parietal electrodes in shoulder movements and over the left and right sensorimotor hand area in finger movements. The post-movement beta-ERS was greater in shoulder than in finger movements, especially at the electrode located 3.5 cm left of the central midline electrode. A significant correlation between the slope of the terminal portion of the BP (negative slope) and amplitude of the post-movement beta-synchronization was observed in shoulder but not in finger movements. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancement of BP over the central midline electrode suggests increased activation of the supplementary motor area in proximal movements. The spatial distribution of the alpha- and beta-ERD and of the post-movement beta-ERS shows topographic differences which may refer to the somatotopic organization of the primary sensorimotor cortex with shoulder representation medial to hand and fingers. The correlation between the negative slope and the post-movement beta-ERS in proximal movements supports the view that the brief post-movement inhibition over the motor cortical area is related to the pre-movement activation of that area.

Adult↗

Cardiac response induced by voluntary self-paced finger movement.

Cardiac responses induced by slow and brisk voluntary self-paced index finger movements of the dominant and non-dominant hand were investigated in a group of 12 right-handed subjects. Since subjects synchronised movement and respiration, initiating movement preferably during inspiration, a novel method of evaluating the movement-induced cardiac response was used. This method allows one to distinguish the differential effects on the cardiac response due to movement and respiration. The effect of type of movements (slow vs. brisk) and hand (right vs. left) were analysed. Slow movements induced a monophasic cardiac response, consisting of cardiac deceleration preceding and accompanying movement. Brisk movements induced a biphasic cardiac response, consisting of preparatory deceleration followed by slight post-movement cardiac acceleration. Hand-dominance did not influence the movement-induced cardiac response. The results suggest that neocortical structures involved in planning and execution of voluntary movement impinge upon brainstem cardiovascular nuclei. Vagal cardiac outflow is affected and gives rise to movement-induced changes in cardiac chronotropism.

Adult↗

Spatial EEG synchronisation over sensorimotor hand areas in brisk and slow self-paced index finger movements.

The changes of spatial EEG synchronisation during brisk and slow voluntary self-paced movements of the right and left index finger were analysed in 12 right-handed and 11 left-handed subjects. EEG was recorded from the left and right sensorimotor area using 24 closely spaced electrodes. A novel measure of spatial EEG synchronisation, omega-complexity, was computed separately for the left and right sensorimotor area in 64 overlapping one-second epochs representing 4.5 s of the pre-movement and 3.5 s of the post-movement period. Omega-complexity was higher, hence spatial synchronisation was lower, in slow than in brisk movements, especially in the right-handed. A sustained increase of omega-complexity was observed during execution of a slow movement. A decrease of omega-complexity which was often associated with a brief burst of spatially synchronised 10-Hz oscillations occurred at the onset of extensor muscle contraction. We suggest that increased spatial EEG synchronisation at movement onset may prevent "spillover" of excitation from the sensorimotor hand area to other cortical regions. During movement, the cortical neuronal assemblies subserve distinct, specialised functions manifesting in increased omega-complexity.

Adult↗

On the existence of different types of central beta rhythms below 30 Hz.

EEGs were recorded from sensorimotor areas of 12 subjects performing unilateral self-paced brisk and slow finger movements. Two different beta components were found below 30 Hz: (i) One component, at about twice the frequency of the mu rhythm, showed desynchronization in parallel with the mu rhythm starting at about 2 s prior to movement. Measurements of bicoherence have shown that this beta component can be non-linearly related to the arch-shaped mu rhythm. (ii) Another beta component started to desynchronize about 1 s prior to movement, recovered very fast and displayed a pronounced post-movement beta synchronization (PMBS) within the first second after movement-offset. This PMBS was found in the frequency band between 12 and 26 Hz. The average percentage power increase at contralateral sensorimotor area was 232% (SD = 82%) for brisk and 265% (SD = 102%) for slow movements. The PMBS was of contralateral dominance and is interpreted as a correlate of active inhibition or idling of the primary motor area following movement execution.

Beta Rhythm↗

The effects of external load on movement-related changes of the sensorimotor EEG rhythms.

The effects of external load opposing brisk voluntary extension of the right index finger on the EEG rhythms in the left and right sensorimotor hand area were studied in 13 right-handed subjects. Four levels of external loads corresponding to the weights of 0 g (no load), 30 g, 80 g and 130 g were used. The effects of external load on EEG rhythms were the following: (i) prior to movement, the desynchronisation of beta-rhythms (18-25 Hz) over the contralateral sensorimotor area was greater under the two largest loads as compared to the 0 g load. However, beta-desynchronisation at ipsilateral electrodes was larger under the 80 g load than under the 130 g load, presumably due to a transcallosally mediated inhibition exerted by the highly excited contralateral motor area; (ii) the mu-rhythm desynchronisation continued over both hemispheres for about 0.3-0.4 s after movement and the largest load was accompanied by the longest mu-rhythm desynchronisation; (iii) the post-movement beta-synchronisation was also longer under the heaviest load (130 g) as compared to the no-load condition (0 g), especially in subjects who prolonged their total movement time under the heaviest load. The results show that (i) the movement-related desynchronisation and synchronisation of sensorimotor EEG rhythms is influenced by external load opposing finger movement, and (ii) the effects of external load differ for the mu- and beta-rhythms.

Adult↗

Effects of handedness on movement-related changes of central beta rhythms.

The effects of handedness on the movement-related changes in beta rhythms (14-30 Hz) in the left and right perirolandic area were analyzed in 12 right-handed and 11 left-handed subjects. The motor task consisted of unilateral brisk or slow self-paced extension of the right or left index finger. The handedness effects were as follows. First, in both handedness groups, the premovement desynchronization of beta rhythms at both hemispheres was greatest before slow movement of the "nondominant" finger, especially at electrodes presumably overlying the MI areas. Second, the lefthanded group showed less desynchronization in both hemispheres during execution of a slow movement than the righthanded group. Third, the postmovement beta synchronization showed a contralateral preponderance which was greater after movements of the nondominant than the "dominant" finger in the righthanded group and was equal for both fingers in the lefthanded group. The results suggest that handedness effects on movement-related changes in central beta rhythms are coupled to movements of the nondominant finger and that their manifestation differs in the pre- and postmovement periods.

Adult↗

Mu-rhythm changes in brisk and slow self-paced finger movements.

We analysed whether type of movement (brisk vs slow) and active muscle force are encoded in the time course of mu-rhythm desynchronization during self-paced finger movements. Ten subjects performed 100 brisk and slow extensions of the right index finger. The time course of mu-rhythm desynchronization in the contralateral sensorimotor area before movement was identical for both types of movements. Brisk movements accompanied by a stronger extensor muscle contraction were preceded by larger desynchronization. The onset of mu-rhythm recovery was related to the duration of the extensor EMG burst in both types of movement. The results suggest that both amplitude and duration of the extensor muscle contraction are encoded in the time course of murhythm desynchronization.

Analysis of Variance↗

Cardiovascular adjustments and pain during repeated cold pressor test.

The cold pressor test is used in the clinical testing of the autonomic nervous system. However, little is known about changes in the autonomic control of the cardiovascular system during repeated challenge with cold. Heart rate (HR), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), T-wave amplitude of ECG (TWA), blood pressure, body temperature and perceived pain were recorded in 18 male subjects during three CPTs which consisted of four minutes immersion of the left hand into cold water at 1 degree C. Breathing during CPT was either spontaneous or paced at 0.23 Hz or 0.1 Hz. Pain intensity and HR decreased and TWA increased during the cold immersion and in the resting period preceding cold in the second and third trials. Systolic and pulse blood pressure increased in resting periods in the third trial. RSA increased in the second and third cold challenge during paced breathing at 0.1 Hz only. A decrease in body temperature (0.48 degree C) at the end of the experiment correlated marginally with HR changes. Our study shows that sustained cardiovascular changes are induced by the first challenge with cold, and persist or increase with repeated cold pressor tests.

Adult↗

Post-movement beta synchronization. A correlate of an idling motor area?

Post-movement beta (around 20 Hz) synchronization was investigated in 2 experiments with self-paced finger extension and flexion and externally paced wrist movement. The electrodes were fixed over the sensorimotor area in distances of 2.5 cm. It was found that after a brisk finger movement the desynchronized beta rhythm displayed a fast recovery and a short-lasting synchronization within 1 sec. This post-movement beta synchronization was maximal over the contralateral hemisphere and localized slightly more anterior to the maximal desynchronization of the hand area mu rhythm. The post-movement beta synchronization is interpreted as a correlate of "idling" motor cortex neurons.

Adult↗

The effects of handedness and type of movement on the contralateral preponderance of mu-rhythm desynchronisation.

Event-related desynchronisation (ERD) of mu-rhythm was studied in 12 right-handed and 11 left-handed subjects during brisk and slow self-paced index finger movements of dominant and nondominant hand. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from the sensorimotor hand area of both hemispheres. The contralateral preponderance of mu-rhythm ERD in the pre-movement period showed the following changes: (i) the contrasts between left- and right-finger movements were larger and earlier in the dominant than nondominant hemisphere in both handedness groups; (ii) right-handed subjects showed larger lateralisation of mu-rhythm ERD prior to right-finger as compared to left-finger movements, whereas about equal contralateral preponderance for both sides was found in the left-handed; (iii) the lateralisation of mu-rhythm ERD was lower prior to brisk as compared to slow movements, especially in the left-handed subjects. The results demonstrate that hand dominance, handedness and type of movement influence the proportion of pre-movement mu-rhythm desynchronisation in the left and right peri-rolandic area.

Adult↗

Event-related synchronization (ERS) in the alpha band--an electrophysiological correlate of cortical idling: a review.

EEG desynchronization is a reliable correlate of excited neural structures of activated cortical areas. EEG synchronization within the alpha band may be an electrophysiological correlate of deactivated cortical areas. Such areas are not processing sensory information or motor output and can be considered to be in an idling state. One example of such an idling cortical area is the enhancement of mu rhythms in the primary hand area during visual processing or during foot movement. In both circumstances, the neurons in the hand area are not needed for visual processing or preparation for foot movement. As a result of this, an enhanced hand area mu rhythm can be observed.

Alpha Rhythm↗

Event-related desynchronisation of central beta-rhythms during brisk and slow self-paced finger movements of dominant and nondominant hand.

Changes in central beta-rhythms (14-29 Hz) during movement were investigated in 12 right-handed subjects by quantifying event-related desynchronisation (ERD). EEG was recorded from 24 closely spaced electrodes overlaying the left and right sensorimotor hand area. The subjects performed approximately 80 brisk (movement time < 0.21 s) and 80 slow (movement time 1.3-2.1 s) self-paced extensions of their left or right index finger. Beta-band power attenuation in the preparatory period (2.0-0.5 s before movement onset) was larger in the contralateral hemisphere in both types of movement and similar for both fingers. In the 0.4-s period before the onset of extensor muscle contraction, right-finger movements only showed a significant contralateral preponderance of beta-ERD. During movement an anterior ERD predominance in the right sensorimotor hand area and a widespread ERD in the left sensorimotor area was found for both fingers. The recovery and rebound of beta-rhythms showed contralateral preponderance which was expressed more in the right hemisphere, especially after left-finger movements. The results suggest that the dynamics of premovement desynchronisation and postmovement synchronisation of central beta-rhythms is related to hand dominance.

Adult↗

Desynchronization and recovery of beta rhythms during brisk and slow self-paced finger movements in man.

Event-related desynchronization (ERD) and recovery of EEG beta rhythms (15-26 Hz) were studied during slow and brisk self-paced index finger extension and flexion. beta rhythms started to recover earlier in brisk movements. Brisk movements showed no correlation between duration of EMG burst in the extensor muscle and the latency of recovery whereas slow movements did. In contrast to beta-ERD which was widespread, the recovery and rebound of beta rhythms occurred in a circumscribed focus close to the hand MI area.

Adult↗

EEG changes during forced alternate nostril breathing.

The effects of 10 min forced alternate nostril breathing (FANB) on EEG topography were studied in 18 trained subjects. One type of FANB consisted in left nostril inspiration and right nostril expiration and the other type in right nostril inspiration and left nostril expiration. Mean power in the beta bands and partially in the alpha band increased during FANB irrespective of the type of nostril breathing. In addition, hemisphere asymmetry in the beta 1 band decreased in the second half of FANB suggesting that FANB has a balancing effect on the functional activity of the left and right hemisphere.

Adult↗