Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Human motor system plasticity can be quantified using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure corticospinal excitability. TMS can be used to produce excitability maps and to examine the stimulus-response (SR) relationship. The overall aims of this thesis are (1) to demonstrate that TMS mapping and SR curves can be acquired much faster than has been traditionally possible and (2) that these techniques can be used to study internally externally driven plasticity. \nBy modifying the TMS delivery, it is demonstrated that both the TMS map and the SR curve can be reliably produced in approximately two minutes. These techniques were then used to examine internally driven plasticity via mirror training and visuomotor tracking learning and externally driven plasticity via transcranial alternating current stimulation. Changes in corticospinal excitability were found to be variable both for internally as externally driven plasticity. Nonetheless, these studies highlight that it is possible to rapidly assess changes in corticospinal excitability.
Authors: van de Ruit, Mark Laurens
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2343139700