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Current direction-dependent modulation of human hand motor function by intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
Yuichiro Shirota1, Suman Dhaka2, Walter Paulus1
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Neuroscience Letters
|April 25, 2017
Summary
The direction of current in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) significantly impacts its effects. Posteroanterior (PA) intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) impaired left-hand motor behavior, while anteroposterior (AP) iTBS did not.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
- Motor Control
Background:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) current direction influences neuronal activation patterns.
- Repetitive TMS outcomes can be modulated by current flow direction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of uni-directional intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on motor behavior.
- To compare the effects of posteroanterior (PA) and anteroposterior (AP) current directions in iTBS.
Main Methods:
- A cross-over design study involving 19 healthy volunteers.
- Application of PA- and AP-iTBS over the left primary motor cortex.
- Assessment of finger-tapping task performance before and after iTBS, with a control condition (APweak).
Main Results:
- Posteroanterior (PA)-iTBS led to a significant decrease in left-hand finger-tapping performance.
- Anteroposterior (AP)-iTBS, including a weaker intensity control, did not alter motor task performance.
- The direction of current flow demonstrably affected the after-effects of iTBS.
Conclusions:
- Current direction is a critical factor influencing the after-effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS).
- PA-iTBS can induce inhibitory effects on motor behavior, whereas AP-iTBS may have different or negligible effects.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering current direction in TMS protocols for therapeutic applications.
