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The Functional Role of Interhemispheric Interactions in Human Motor Control

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Cortical Connectivity

Abstract

Interhemispheric interactions in the motor system have been extensively examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Paired-pulse TMS and the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) are the most widely used techniques to quantify interhemispheric inhibitory interactions between primary motor cortices in humans. This review will discuss the use of these techniques during unimanual and bimanual actions. The available evidence provides a framework for understanding the contribution of inhibitory interactions to the control of a resting limb during unilateral actions, while their role in the control of a limb executing a motor action remains poorly understood. Evidence shows that during bilateral actions voluntary activity of one hand can influence interhemispheric inhibitory interactions controlling the contralateral active hand. All studies point to the view that the modulation of interhemispheric interactions in the motor system changes in a task-dependent manner. These results might be of interest for patients with motor disorders and emphasizes the need of a careful interpretation when extrapolating results between different motor actions.

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  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Systems Neuroscience Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA

    Monica A. Perez

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  1. Monica A. Perez
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Correspondence to Monica A. Perez .

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  1. , Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Research Institute, Bathurst St. 399, Toronto, M5T 2S8, Ontario, Canada

    Robert Chen

  2. Inst. Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom

    John C. Rothwell

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Perez, M.A. (2012). The Functional Role of Interhemispheric Interactions in Human Motor Control. In: Chen, R., Rothwell, J. (eds) Cortical Connectivity. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32767-4_9

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