Two types of movement-related cortical potentials preceding wrist extension in humans

We compared the occurrence patterns of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) preceding wrist extension in athletes (kendoists and gymnasts) and non-athletes. The MRCPs of the non-athletes started similar to1.5s before the EMG onset of wrist extension. In the athletes, the duration of the MRCP s was shorter and the amplitudes of early component (Bereitschaftspotential ) were smaller than in the non-athletes.The MRCPs in the athletes started s imilar to 400 ms before the onset of wrist extension and increased rapidly. In topographical maps, MRCPs of the athletes were localized markedly on th e contralateral motor area (C3) compared with the non-athletes. In the pres ent study, the duration of MRCPs was classified into two types. NeuroReport 12:2221-2225 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.