Effect of different approaches to target force on transcranial magnetic stimulation responses

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.