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Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
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Static magnetic field stimulation over motor cortex modulates resting functional connectivity in humans
Vanesa Soto-León1, Mabel Torres-Llacsa2, Laura Mordillo-Mateos2,3
1FENNSI Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Finca La Peraleda s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain. vsleon@sescam.jccm.es.
Scientific Reports
|May 13, 2022
Summary
Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) applied to the motor cortex temporarily reduced connectivity within the sensori-motor network. These network effects were time-dependent, diminishing within minutes of stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Non-invasive brain stimulation
Background:
- Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) is known to alter local cortical excitability.
- The capacity of tSMS to induce distant network effects and their temporal dynamics remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether tSMS over the human motor cortex induces distant network effects.
- To examine the time-course of both local and potential distant effects of tSMS.
Main Methods:
- A real/sham parallel design was employed, applying 10-minute tSMS over the left motor cortex in healthy subjects.
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was utilized to assess sensori-motor network connectivity.
Main Results:
- Real tSMS significantly reduced functional connectivity within the targeted sensori-motor network compared to sham stimulation.
- This reduction in connectivity was transient, returning to baseline levels within the first 5 minutes of fMRI scanning.
- No significant effects were observed in the default mode or visual system networks.
Conclusions:
- Focal tSMS over the motor cortex can transiently decrease functional connectivity within the sensori-motor network.
- The observed network effects are specific to the stimulated network and time-dependent.
