Normative Data Comparison of the Bereitschaftspotential
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Normative Data Comparison of the Bereitschaftspotential: Abdominal Muscles vs. Upper Limber Limb Muscles
IRAS ID
350473
Contact name
Theocharis Tsironis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
Much research on normative data has primarily focused on upper limb movements involving the arms, wrists, and fingers, leaving significant gaps in understanding how the BP manifests in larger muscle groups Therefore, this study focuses on the abdominal muscles, as they are among the largest muscle groups and, based on observations in movement disorder clinics, are commonly involved in non-organic movement disorders. By investigating BP in abdominal muscle movements, this project aims to better understand the parameters of BP in functional conditions, offering potential improvements in diagnostic accuracy and guiding the efficient allocation of NHS resources, ultimately enhancing the understanding and management of functional movement disorders. This study aims to investigate whether the BP amplitude is significantly larger during abdominal muscle movements compared to upper limb movements. Existing research has primarily focused on upper limb movements, often employing complex methodologies involving a full 64-electrode EEG setup and intricate motor tasks. While these studies have provided valuable insights, their designs are not always representative of functional movements, which are where BP analysis holds the most clinical relevance. By exploring BP characteristics in alternative muscle groups, this study seeks to expand the current understanding of measuring and locating the BP and improve its diagnostic utility.
The objectives of this study are to develop a more streamlined methodology for BP detection and to ensure that it remains both practical and clinically applicable. Instead of a full-head electrode montage, EEG recordings will be taken from previously identified BP-generating sites (F4, Fz, F3, C4, Cz, C3) with a reference on both earlobes and a ground electrode between Fz and Cz. By identifying differences in BP patterns between abdominal and upper limb movements, this research could provide insights to better detecting the BP in functional movements disorders, ultimately contributing to more effective clinical assessments and interventions.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0958
Date of REC Opinion
10 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion