6533b824fe1ef96bd12809da
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Modulation of spinal cord excitability by subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex in humans.
Massimliano OliveriMassimo GangitanoAlvaro Pascual-leoneAntoni Valero-cabrésubject
AdultMalemedicine.medical_treatmentFlexor carpi radialis muscleNeural ConductionPyramidal TractsStimulationElectric Stimulation TherapyReflex modulationMembrane Potentialsmental disordersmedicineReaction TimeHumansH reflexMuscle SkeletalNeuronsPyramidal tractsMovement Disordersbusiness.industryElectromyographyReflex Monosynapticmusculoskeletal neural and ocular physiologyGeneral NeuroscienceMotor CortexSpinal cordTranscranial Magnetic StimulationTranscranial magnetic stimulationmedicine.anatomical_structurenervous systemSpinal CordMuscle SpasticityAnesthesiaPrimary motor cortexH-reflexbusinessNeurosciencepsychological phenomena and processesMotor cortexMuscle Contractiondescription
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) allows the modulation of intra-cortical excitability and may therefore affect the descending control of spinal excitability. We applied rTMS at subthreshold intensity and 1 Hz frequency for 10 min to the left primary motor cortex representation of the flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR) in 10 subjects and assessed the H and M responses to median nerve stimulation before and after the rTMS. Following rTMS, H wave thresholds significantly reduced by ∼20%. Maximal H but not M wave amplitude significantly increased over the baseline, so that H/M amplitude ratio was increased by 41%. Sham stimulation did not induce any noticeable change in M or H waves. Slow rTMS might facilitate monosynaptic spinal cord reflexes by inhibiting the cortico-spinal projections modulating spinal excitability. © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-12-01 | Neuroreport |