Event-related Desynchronization of Mu Rhythms During Concentric and Eccentric Contractions

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns and reaction times (RTs) of muscle activation between concentric and eccentric biceps brachii contractions under the RT paradigm and to evaluate how the EEG patterns and RTs changed with practice. Sixteen subjects performed 3 sets of 30 repetitions of submaximal voluntary concentric and eccentric biceps contractions. RT, event-related desynchronization (ERD) patterns of mu rhythm onset, and ERD amplitudes were selectively analyzed. Mental demand decreased as familiarity with the motor action increased due to practice regardless of contraction type. However, the 2 types of muscle contractions still have differences in brain activity regardless of decreased mental demand: eccentric contractions require earlier preparation than concentric contractions.

Keywords:

• concentric contraction
• eccentric contraction
• electroencephalography
• event-related desynchronization
• practice

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to acknowledge financial and administrative support from the “Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project (Grant NO. 2016-51-0009)” sponsored by the Korean Research Foundation for the Department of Physical Therapy Graduate School, Yonsei University.