Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of menthol application on the cortical and cutaneous silent period (CSP/cutSP). Both the cutSP and CSP were assessed while participants (n = 11, young adults) exerted a light contraction with the right thumb. In the 1st block of trials, SPs were measured after the application of a Neutral gel (Aloe Vera) to the dorsal aspect of the hand. In the 2nd block, the same measures were repeated following a Menthol gel (4%) application. Subjective ratings of cooling sensations were obtained for each block. The Neutral gel was consistently perceived as slightly cool by participants, wheres the Menthol gel elicited sensations from cool to very cold. Paired t-tests showed no difference in the cutSP duration between the two conditions, whereas a significant increase in the CSP was detected with the Menthol condition. No correlation was found between changes in the CSP and those of the cutSP. These results highlight the difference between the cutSP and the CSP, as inhibitory phenomena, and point to a cortical contribution to the soothing effects associated with topical menthol applications.

摘要

在这项研究中，我们调查了薄荷醇应用对皮质和皮肤静默期 (CSP/cutSP) 的影响。当参与者（n  = 11，年轻人）用右手拇指轻微收缩时，对cutSP 和 CSP 进行了评估。在第一组试验中，将中性凝胶（芦荟）涂抹于手背后测量 SP。在第二个区块中，在应用薄荷醇凝胶 (4%) 后重复相同的措施。获得每个块的清凉感觉的主观评价。参与者始终认为中性凝胶略凉，而薄荷醇凝胶引起的感觉从凉爽到非常冷。配对t- 测试显示两种条件之间的 cutSP 持续时间没有差异，而在薄荷醇条件下检测到 CSP 显着增加。在 CSP 的变化和 cutSP 的变化之间没有发现相关性。这些结果突出了 cutSP 和 CSP 之间的差异，作为抑制现象，并指出皮质对与局部薄荷醇应用相关的舒缓效果的贡献。