Former MSc student Kara Hayes and Professor Meehan published their new manuscript “Persistent adaptations in sensorimotor interneuron circuits in the motor cortex with a history of sport-related concussion” in the peer-reviewed journal Experimental Brain Research.
The new work demonstrates persistent adaptations in the sensorimotor system of the brain despite clinical recovery after a sport-related concussion. In this study, Kara used an advanced non-invasive brain stimulation technique, known as controllable pulse parameter transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTMS) to probe differences in sensory-motor integration in those with and without a sport-related concussion history.
The key finding was persistent adaptations in a specific sensorimotor circuit that is known to be sensitive to the attention demands of a task. This sensorimotor circuit is known to be a point where cognitive strategies interact with subconscious motor control processes. The persistent adaptations in these circuits in those with a concussion history suggest that individuals with a history of concussion may adopt compensatory motor control strategies. These strategies may work well in most circumstances. However, they may break down during periods of high task complexity. Such breakdowns in sensory-motor integration may explain why those with a concussion history months to years prior are more prone to musculoskeletal injuries.
Also, involved in this study were Sensorimotor Control and Learning Lab (SCiLL) alum Madison Khan, current master’s student Kylee Graham and collaborator Professor Richard Staines.