Low-frequency median nerve stimulation, paired with suprathreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the optimal site for activation of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle induces a long-lasting increase in the excitability of corticospinal output neurons, if median nerve stimulation is given 25 ms before TMS. Here we employed this protocol of stimulation to assess associative ...

OBJECTIVES To identify the clinical, electrophysiological, histological, and genetic characteristics of a Japanese family with a muscle cramp syndrome. METHODS Fourteen patients (eight men, six women) were studied in four generations of a single family. Electrophysiological examinations were performed in four cases and muscle and nerve biopsies were performed on the propositus. RESULTS The ...

Objective: The in ̄uence of muscle vibration (MV) as a strong proprioceptive input on motorcortical excitability was studied in 5 patients with musician's cramp, 5 musician controls and 5 non-musician controls. Methods: The relaxed ̄exor carpi radialis (FCR), involved in the dystonic movement in all patients, was vibrated using low frequency (80 Hz) and low amplitude (0.5 mm). Transcranial magne...

Although it is hypothesized that there is abnormal motor inhibition in patients with dystonia, the question remains as to whether the mechanism related to motor inhibition is specifically impaired. The objective of the present study was to clarify the possible abnormalities of the mechanisms underlying voluntary muscle relaxation during motor preparation and execution in patients with writer's ...

Anecdotal evidence supports the use of Bacrobial skin cleanser for preventing muscle cramps; however, empirical evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether Bacrobial prevents muscle cramping in the triceps surae. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Laboratory. SUBJECTS: Seventeen cramp-prone participants (11 male, 6 female; age 21 ± 2...