Effects of Alternative Therapies and Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Skill Acquisition in healthy volunteers: A Metaplasticity Study

Abstract

Abstract Background To explore the effects of combining electroacupuncture (EA) with motor training (MT) on corticospinal excitability and motor learning, focusing on the concepts of homeostatic and non-homeostatic metaplasticity. Methods The study enrolled twenty healthy volunteers who underwent four distinct interventions: EA alone, MT alone, EA-priming prior to MT, and MT-priming prior to EA. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) were employed to assess changes in M1 excitability and motor performance, respectively. Results Both EA and MT enhanced M1 excitability and motor performance. However, additional EA or MT priming did not further modulate MEPs amplitudes. EA-priming improved GPT completion times, suggesting a role in enhancing motor learning Conclusion The study concludes that while EA and MT individually augment motor cortex excitability and performance, their combined application does not further modulate corticospinal excitability, indicating the involvement of non-homeostatic metaplasticity mechanisms. Nevertheless, EA may play a critical role in preventing M1 overstimulation, continually promoting motor learning. This underscores the need for further research into the application of EA, either independently or in conjunction with MT, in clinical settings. Trial Registration Number This trail was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Register (NO. ChiCTR2000039910) on November 11, 2020.