Effect of different approaches to target force on transcranial magnetic stimulation responses |
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Authors: | Thomas Rupp PhD Guillaume Y. Millet PhD Samuel Verges PhD |
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Affiliation: | 1. Laboratoire HP2, U1042 INSERM, Université Joseph Fourier, , Grenoble, France;2. Laboratoire LPE, Université de Lyon, , Saint‐Etienne, France |
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Abstract: | Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether the manner in which a target force is approached can influence the electromyographic (EMG) and mechanical parameters evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during brief muscle contractions. Methods: The amplitude of motor‐evoked potentials (MEP) and superimposed twitch and the duration of the silent period were recorded in 8 healthy participants in response to TMS delivered during brief isometric voluntary contractions of the quadriceps maintaining a target force (10% and 50% of maximal voluntary force) or gradually increasing or decreasing to reach this point. Results: MEP and superimposed twitch, unlike the silent period, are influenced by the manner of reaching a low force. Conclusions: Clear instructions must be provided to research participants and patients. Rapidly increasing to a target force without exceeding it and maintaining the force before the delivery of TMS results in stable, representative MEP amplitudes. Muscle Nerve 48 : 430–432, 2013 |
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Keywords: | force motor‐evoked potential muscle contraction silent period transcranial magnetic stimulation |
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