Neural basis of motor control and learning in non-dexterous effectors by sports training and non-invasive brain stimulation

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24300210
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Physical education
• Research Institution: Chukyo University
• Principal Investigator: Aramaki Yu 中京大学, スポーツ科学部, 教授 (40414023)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: MRI / VBM / ｔDCS / 小脳 / 随意性 / リフティング / 投球 / 関節可動域

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to elucidate the neural basis of motor control and learning in non-dexterous effectors such as non-dominant hand or foot.
Using MRI, voxel based morphometry analysis revealed that the grey matter volume in cerebellum increased by the training of non-dominant hand pitching and lower-limb ball-juggling. It suggests that, even in adult, the brain structure can develop by sports training.
In addition, the non-invasive transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) of the primary sensorimotor cortex succeeded in modulating the range of motion of the ankle joint. It shows the possibility of tDCS for neuromodulation of human movement system.

Free Research Field

スポーツ脳科学