Modulating Cortical Excitability of Lower Limbs Using Transcranial Static Magnetic Field Stimulation (tSMS): A Pilot Study
摘要
This study explores the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation, specifically static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS), to modulate the cortical excitability of lower limb muscles. Justification for this research stems from the successful use of tSMS in neurorehabilitation for conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS, primarily targeting the primary motor cortex (M1) for upper limb rehabilitation. However, many neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury (SCI), predominantly affect lower limb motor function. Recent findings suggest that the cortical representation of lower limbs is more superficial than previously thought. This pilot study aims to demonstrate that applying tSMS over the cortical area representing the lower limbs (M1INF) for 30 min can modulate cortical excitability, measured via motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).