[Purpose] A number of different stimulation devices are used in basic and clinical
research studies, and their frequencies of use vary. However, whether or not they are
equally effective has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to
investigate neural activity in the brain during the illusion of motion evoked by
stimulating the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles using various vibration devices.
[Subjects] Twelve right-handed university students with no history of nervous system
disorder or orthopedic disease participated in the study. [Methods] The wrist extensor
tendon was stimulated using 3 different devices: 1) a vibration stimulation device
(SL-0105 LP; Asahi Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan), frequency 80 Hz; 2) a handy
massager (YCM-20; Yamazen Corporation, Osaka, Japan), frequency 70 Hz; and 3) a handy
massager (Thrive MD-01; Thrive Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan), frequency 91.7 Hz. Brain activity
was recorded during stimulation by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. [Results]
Increased neural activity was observed in both the premotor cortices and the parietal
region in both hemispheres in all 3 cases. The level and localization of neural activity
was comparable for all 3 stimulation devices used. [Conclusion] This suggests that
subjects experience the illusion of motion while the tendon is being stimulated using any
vibration device.