Assessment of the effect of vibrotactile stimulation on motor control: investigation of force enhancement and neural adaptations.

• Grant number: 24/08318-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: September 01, 2024 - August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Carina Marconi Germer
• Grantee: Carina Marconi Germer
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The cutaneous sensory pathway is essential for precise movement, potentially resulting in an acute increase in muscle strength and a reduction in variability in constant force tasks when stimulated. Despite advancements in understanding the sensorimotor integration, gaps persist in understanding the neural adaptations induced by cutaneous stimulation. This is largely due to the difficulty in characterizing the input-output behavior of the motor nucleus in an experimental context, which requires recording the activity of a significant number of motor units. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of vibrotactile stimulation on force regulation and neural strategy of the motor nucleus in controlling muscles of the hand and leg. The first protocol aims to improve the technique of high-density electromyography (HD-sEMG) decomposition, comparing different motor tasks and signal processing to develop an effective protocol that maximizes motor unit identification. The second protocol seeks to investigate the neural adaptations induced by vibrotactile stimulation, encompassing parameters such as recruitment strategies and firing rate coding of the motor nucleus across the force range. Additionally, conditions for increased muscle strength induced by cutaneous stimulation will be investigated. This project represents a significant opportunity for scientific and technological advances. It adopts an innovative approach to investigating neural adaptations in an experimental context, contributing to a greater understanding of cutaneous pathway integration and opening possibilities for investigating other sensory pathways. Furthermore, it explores the effect of vibration as a force amplifier, offering new perspectives for interventions aimed at improving motor performance. Finally, it contributes to advancements in HD-sEMG technique, which is important for both neurophysiological studies and in its use in neural technological interfaces. (AU)