Leading study authors — Marina Morozova and Aigul Nasibullina. Source: Aigul Nasibullina.
Moscow, July 3, 2024
The ability to imagine is one of the key human’s cognitive functions. In a paper published in the Scientific Reports
journal, researchers from Skoltech and Moscow State University investigated the effect of imagining tactile sensations
(tactile imagery) on the excitability of the corticospinal tract using the transcranial magnetic stimulation method. It
has been shown that tactile imagery leads to an increase in corticospinal excitability. The practical importance of the
results lies in the development of brain-computer interfaces based on mental images and tactile stimulation designed to
improve neurorehabilitation by changing the plasticity in sensorimotor circuits.
The study was supported by the grant from the Russian Academy of Sciences No. 21-75-30024 titled “Development of
invasive and non-invasive corticospinal and peripheral interfaces using biomarker monitoring for neurorehabilitation of
motor functions and pain control.” Among the leading authors of the study are PhD student Marina Morozova, who studies
Life Sciences, and MSc alumna Aigul Nasibullina, who also specializes in Life Sciences.
The imagination of sensations associated with movements — motor imagery — has been studied for quite a long time. It is
known that workouts based on mental motor representation contribute to motor learning, therefore they are used in the
training of athletes, musicians, dancers, as well as in the rehabilitation of motor disorders. One of the indicators
proving the effectiveness of imagery is the excitability of the corticospinal tract. At the same time, the imagery of
tactile sensations in general, unrelated to movements, has not been studied, and little is known about its effect on
excitability.
“The study participants had to take turns performing a task to imagine movements and tactile sensations in their right
hand. At this time, with the help of transcranial magnetic stimulation, single magnetic stimuli were applied to the area
of the primary motor cortex (the area responsible for controlling the muscles of the limb), causing muscle contraction.
Based on the size of a muscle response, we concluded about the functional state of the pathway that the team follows
from the cerebral cortex through the spinal cord to the muscles (excitability of the corticospinal tract/corticospinal
excitability)," said Lev Yakovlev, a study coauthor and a senior researcher at the Skoltech Neuro Center.Experiment on imagining movements and tactile sensations in the right hand. Credit: Aigul Nasibullina.
It was shown that in both types of imagery — both motor and tactile — the excitability increased compared to the rest
state. At the same time, excitability in motor imagery was expected to be higher than in tactile imagery. The results
highlight the importance of the functional and anatomical connection between the motor and somatosensory parts of the
cortex, as well as reveal the potential of imagery-based training for the rehabilitation of sensorimotor disorders.
Note: Skoltech is a private international university in Russia, cultivating a new generation of leaders in technology,
science, and business, conducting research in breakthrough fields, and promoting technological innovation to solve
critical problems that face Russia and the world. Skoltech focuses on six priority areas: life sciences, health, and
agro; telecommunications, photonics, and quantum technologies; artificial intelligence; advanced materials and
engineering; energy efficiency and the energy transition; and advanced studies. Established in 2011 in collaboration
with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Skoltech was listed among the world’s top 100 young universities
by the Nature Index in its both editions (2019, 2021). On Research.com, the Institute ranks as Russian university No. 2
overall and No. 1 for genetics and materials science. In the recent SCImago Institutions Rankings, Skoltech placed first
nationwide for computer science.