Aim: 

Movement Related Brain Macropotentials (MRBMs) are electrical brain potentials related to skilled movements. To verify the hypothesis that motor training could modify their profile, MRBMs were recorded before and after a period of training.

Methods: 

Eleven healthy male subjects performed the Alert test (A), in which they had to press three keys of a keyboard when a figure appeared on the computer monitor. Ten subjects performed the Choice test (CH) in which they had to press the three keys in a different order when one of two different figures appeared randomly on the screen. Ten subjects performed the Choice test with the addition of a Go/No-Go paradigm (CHNG) in which participants had also to repress an unsuitable response. All subjects were tested before and after 10 days of training. During the trials EEG and EMG were recorded.

Results: 

Reaction Time (RT) was lower in A then in CH and CHNG. Training did not influenced A, but was followed by a significant reduction of RT in CH and CHNG. The profile of MRBMs was different in the three tests. The duration of the premotor positive wave (PMP) increased passing from A to CHNG, but after training, it was reduced only in the CHNG test. During motor action duration and latency of the corresponding negative wave (MCP) increased from A to CHNG and were reduced after training in all tests.

Conclusion: 

Data show that training can affect the profile of MRBMs, reducing their duration and latency, particularly when the performance requires high mental effort.