2021 Volume 49 Issue 2 Pages 54-61
Motor imagery undertaken after motor practice on the same side aids in maintaining motor accuracy. This study aimed to determine the effect of motor imagery after motor practice on the opposite side. Twenty healthy subjects were positioned in the supine position, and F-waves were recorded (rest 1). The subjects practiced adjustment pinch force with a target using the right hand. Subsequently, the subjects performed motor imagery to convert movements of the right hand to those of the left hand; the F-wave was recorded (motor imagery). Finally, the subjects attempted adjustment pinch force at a target, and motor accuracy was measured (pinch task). On another day, the subjects performed the control procedure for motor imagery and one more rest trial (rest 2) swapped. The index of motor accuracy was pinch force error from target force and to convert absolute value. Consequently, no difference was detected in the absolute error between the force recorded during motor imagery and that recorded during rest 2. However, the persistence of the F-wave was significantly increased for motor imagery than for rest 1. Motor imagery after motor practice on the opposite side did not improve motor accuracy to a great extent. However, the excitability of the spinal motor neurons increased after motor imagery.
