Influence of motor imagery using Box and Block Test on the excitability of spinal nerve function

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the influence of motor imagery on the excitability of spinal nerve function by conducting an F-wave study in ten healthy participants (right-handed; mean age 27.2±7.8) and performing the Box and Block Test (BBT). Motor imagery was performed with the index finger and the thumb of the right hand at the earliest speed of the BBT. The change of F/M amplitudes ratios and F-wave persistence were examined at rest, during motor imagery, 2 min after motor imagery, and 4 min after motor imagery. Our findings indicated that the ratio of F/M amplitudes and F-wave persistence significantly increased during BBT motor imagery when compared to those of the resting state. Such results suggest that excitability of spinal nerve function increases during motor imagery in the BBT.