PhD, Associate Professor V.N. Shlyakhtov¹
Dr. Biol., Professor R.M. Gorodnichev^1
1Velikie Luki state academy of physical culture and sport, Velikie Luki

Objective of the study was to identify special aspects of the use of magnetic and electrical stimulation for diagnosing athletes’ motor abilities.
Methods and structure of the study. The study involved 12 short-distance and 12 long-distance runners aged 17-26 years. The experimental protocol provided for registration of motor responses of the lower limb muscles caused by the magnetic and electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (level T11-T12) and the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa, as well as registration of motor responses during magnetic stimulation of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex. The electrodes diverting electroactivity (EMG) were fixed on the biceps and rectus muscles of the thigh, soleus and anterior tibial muscles of the lower leg.
Results of the study and conclusions. During the magnetic stimulation of the brain, the long-distance runners were found to have a higher amplitude of evoked motor response (EMR) of all tested muscles and lower thresholds of EMR as opposed to the sprinters. Thus, the threshold value of EMR of the biceps muscle of the thigh in the long-distance runners was 32.6% lower than in the sprinters. The effects of the magnetic and electrical stimulation of the athletes’ spinal cord and tibial nerve were generally the same. The amplitude of EMR of all muscles of the long-distance runners exceeded that of the sprinters; the EMR threshold was lower in the long-distance runners. During the electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerve, the amplitude of EMR of the muscles of the long-distance runners exceeded that in the sprinters more significantly than during the magnetic stimulation. For example, during the electrical stimulation, the amplitude of EMR of the soleus muscle in the long-distance runners was 213.1% higher than that in the sprinters, and during the magnetic stimulation - only 148.5% higher. Under the influence of magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord, the amplitude of EMR of the rectus muscle of the thigh in the long-distance runners exceeded that in the sprinters by 0.48 mV, and during the electrical stimulation - by 1.23 mV. Similar changes in the EMR amplitude were observed when stimulating the tibial nerve. The obtained results expand the scope of knowledge related to diagnostics of the functional state of the athletes’ motor system by means of magnetic and electrical stimulation of the central nervous system structures.

Keywords: electrical and magnetic stimulation, functional state, motor system of athletes, sports activity.

References

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