Neural Substrate for the Effects of Passive Training on Sensorimotor Cortical Representation: A Study with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Healthy Subjects

Repetitive passive movements are part of most rehabilitation procedures, especially in patients with stroke and motor deficit. However, little is known about the consequences of repeated proprioceptive stimulations on the intracerebral sensorimotor network in humans. Twelve healthy subjects were enrolled, and all underwent two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions separated by a 1-month interval. Passive daily movement training was performed in six subjects during the time between the two fMRI sessions. The other six subjects had no training and were considered as the control group. The task used during fMRI was calibrated repetitive passive flexion-extension of the wrist similar to those performed during training. The control task was rest. The data were analyzed with SPM96 software. Images were realigned, smoothed, and put into Talairach's neuroanatomical space. The time effect from the repetition of the task was assessed in the control group by comparing activation versus rest in the second session with activation versus rest in the first session. This time effect then was used as null hypothesis to assess the training effect alone in our trained group. Passive movements compared with rest showed activation of most of the cortical areas involved in motor control (i.e., contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex, supplementary motor area [SMA], cingulum, Brodmann area 40, ipsilateral cerebellum). Time effect comparison showed a decreased activity of the primary sensorimotor cortex and SMA and an increased activity of ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere, compatible with a habituation effect. Training brought about an increased activity of contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex and SMA. A redistribution of SMA activity was observed. The authors demonstrated that passive training with repeated proprioceptive stimulation induces a reorganization of sensorimotor representation in healthy subjects. These changes take place in cortical areas involved in motor preparation and motor execution and represent the neural basis of proprioceptive training, which might benefit patients undergoing rehabilitative procedures.