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Spinal root magnetic stimulation: evaluating the limitations of a less invasive method to assess voluntary activation of the respiratory muscles

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Magnetic stimulation of the cervical spinal roots cannot be used to assess voluntary activation of the diaphragm reliably during inspiratory efforts. However, magnetic stimulation of the thoracic spinal roots could be used to assess abdominal muscle voluntary activation during expiratory efforts but, importantly, required estimation of the twitch response at rest. This novel, less invasive method may be used to assess expiratory muscle activation, but requires testing across a range of contraction intensities.

Source: Journal of Applied Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00960.2025