Notwithstanding the apparent demands regarding fine motor skills that are required to perform in action video games, the motor nervous system of players has not been studied systematically. In the present study, we hypothesized to find differences in sensorimotor performance and corticospinal characteristics between action video game players (Players) and Controls. We tested sensorimotor performance in video games tasks and used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure motor map, input-output (IO) and short intra-cortical inhibition (SICI) curves in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle of Players (n = 18) and Control (n = 18). Players scored higher in performance tests and had stronger SICI and higher motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes. Multiple linear regressions showed that Players and Control differed with respect to their relation between reaction time and corticospinal excitability. However, we did not find different motor map topography or different IO curves for Players when compared to Controls. Action video game players showed an increased efficiency of motor cortical inhibitory and excitatory neural networks. Players also showed a different relation of MEPs with reaction time. The present study demonstrates the potential of action video game players as an ideal population to study the mechanisms underlying visuomotor performance and sensorimotor learning.

中文翻译：

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皮质脊髓特性与动作视频游戏玩家的感觉运动表现有关

尽管对动作视频游戏所需的精细运动技能有明显的要求，但尚未系统地研究玩家的运动神经系统。在本研究中，我们假设在动作视频游戏玩家（玩家）和对照组之间发现感觉运动表现和皮质脊髓特征的差异。我们测试了视频游戏任务中的感觉运动表现，并使用经颅磁刺激 (TMS) 来测量运动员 (n) 第一背侧骨间 (FDI) 肌肉的运动图、输入输出 (IO) 和短皮质内抑制 (SICI) 曲线。 = 18) 和对照 (n = 18)。运动员在表现测试中得分更高，SICI 更强，运动诱发电位 (MEP) 幅度更高。多元线性回归表明，玩家和控制者在反应时间和皮质脊髓兴奋性之间的关系方面存在差异。但是，与控件相比，我们没有发现玩家有不同的运动地图地形或不同的 IO 曲线。动作视频游戏玩家表现出运动皮层抑制和兴奋神经网络的效率提高。玩家还表现出 MEP 与反应时间的不同关系。本研究展示了动作视频游戏玩家作为研究视觉运动表现和感觉运动学习机制的理想人群的潜力。动作视频游戏玩家表现出运动皮层抑制和兴奋神经网络的效率提高。玩家还表现出 MEP 与反应时间的不同关系。本研究展示了动作视频游戏玩家作为研究视觉运动表现和感觉运动学习机制的理想人群的潜力。动作视频游戏玩家表现出运动皮层抑制和兴奋神经网络的效率提高。玩家还表现出 MEP 与反应时间的不同关系。本研究展示了动作视频游戏玩家作为研究视觉运动表现和感觉运动学习机制的理想人群的潜力。