Question

What type of practice increases excitability of the motor cortex and activates the same areas of the brain that are active in actual physical practice?

Answer 1

The practice that activates brain areas similar to actual physical exercise is mental imagery or mental practice. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and neurofeedback are advanced methods that promote neuroplasticity and cognitive function enhancements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of practice that increases excitability of the motor cortex and activates the same areas of the brain that are active in actual physical practice is known as mental imagery or mental practice. This technique involves the individual vividly imagining performing the physical activity without actual movement, which can lead to neuroplastic changes in the brain, similar to those that occur with physical practice.

Advanced methodologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback have been used experimentally to enhance neuroplasticity, which can improve various cognitive functions. TMS, a non-invasive procedure, involves using a magnetic field to induce electric currents in specific brain areas, potentially improving conditions like depression and irregular brain activity. Neurofeedback involves using real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain functions, which may enhance cognitive performance and mental health.