Functional mapping of the somatotopic organization of the supplementary motor area using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and computer vision-based analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The supplementary motor area (SMA) is a cortical region involved in motor and language functions. Motor representations within the SMA follow a somatotopic organization: Anterior regions are linked to orofacial movements, middle regions to upper limb movements, and posterior regions to lower limb movements. SMA lesions may produce impairments that correspond to this somatotopy; therefore, preoperative assessment may aid diagnosis.

Objective

This study aimed to revise and extend a protocol for assessing the SMA using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS), incorporating somatotopic organization and validating positive stimulation points against non-motor regions.

Methods

The dominant-hemisphere SMA of 30 healthy participants (27.1 ± 6

SUBMITTER: Stein J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12903118 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature