Optimal number of pulses as outcome measures of neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Identify the optimal number of pulses necessary to achieve reliable measures of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies.

Methods

Retrospective data was obtained from 54 healthy volunteers (30 men, mean age 61.7±13.1years) who as part of prior studies had completed three blocks of 30 consecutive TMS stimuli using neuronavigation. Data from four protocols were assessed: single-pulse TMS for measures of amplitude and latency of MEPs; paired-pulse TMS for short-interval intracortical inhibition (sICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF); and single-pulse TMS to assess the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). Two statistical methods were used: an internal consistency analysis and probability of inclusion in t

SUBMITTER: Chang WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4956494 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature