Vibration-Induced Kinesthetic Illusions and Corticospinal Excitability Changes

ABSTRACT

The authors' aim was to investigate the changes of corticospinal excitability during kinesthetic illusions induced by tendon vibration. Motor-evoked potentials in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded from the vibrated flexor carpi radialis and its antagonist, extensor carpi radialis. The illusions were evoked under vision conditions without feedback for the position of the wrist (open or closed eyes). In these two conditions motor-evoked potential changes during vibration in the antagonist were not identical. This discrepancy may be a result of 2 simultaneously acting, different and opposite influences and the balance between them depends on visual conditions. Thus, the illusion was accompanied by the facilitation of corticospinal excitability in both vibrated muscle and its antagonist.

Keywords:

• illusory movement
• tendon vibration
• transcranial magnetic stimulation
• visual feedback

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

Funding

Dr. Kossev's work in Germany was supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.