Changes in the excitability of the spinal motor nerve function immediately after motor imagery of the box and block test

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the changes in the excitability of the spinal motor nerve function after motor imagery of the box and block test (BBT) by conducting an F-wave study. The study included 20 healthy participants. BBT motor imagery was performed by dividing the box into two sections, one filled with blocks and the other empty. BBT motor imagery was performed of the index finger and the thumb of the right hand moving the blocks one by one to the empty section of the box at the fastest speed. The F-waves were measured of six tasks: rest 1, rest 2, motor imagery 1, motor imagery 2, after motor imagery 1, and after motor imagery 2. Each task was performed continuously for 30 seconds. The relative values of the amplitude F/M ratio and persistence were calculated. The amplitude F/M ratio and persistence of motor imageries 1 and 2 were higher than rests 1 and 2, and after motor imagery 2. In addition, the amplitude F/M ratio after motor imagery 1 was higher than that of rests 1 and 2. Our results suggest that the excitability of the spinal motor function was increased after motor imagery of BBT compared with that of rest for 30 seconds.