Modulation of spinal cord excitability by subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex in humans

Neuroreport. 2001 Dec 4;12(17):3845-8. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200112040-00048.

Abstract

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 approximately 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electromyography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Movement Disorders / physiopathology
  • Movement Disorders / therapy
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology
  • Muscle Spasticity / therapy
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Pyramidal Tracts / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Reflex, Monosynaptic / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord / physiology*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*