Abstract
BackgroundTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with different current directions can activate different sets of neurons. Current direction can also affect the results of repetitive TMS. Objective: To test the influence of uni-directional intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) using different current directions, namely posteroanterior (PA) and anteroposterior (AP), on motor behaviour. MethodsIn a cross-over design, PA- and AP-iTBS was applied over the left primary motor cortex in 19 healthy, right-handed volunteers. Performance of a finger-tapping task was recorded before and 0, 10, 20, and 30min after the iTBS. The task was conducted with the right and left hands separately at each time point. As a control, AP-iTBS with reduced intensity was applied to 14 participants in a separate session (APweak condition). ResultsThe finger-tapping count with the left hand was decreased after PA-iTBS. Neither AP- nor APweak-iTBS altered the performance. ConclusionsCurrent direction had a significant impact on the after-effects of iTBS.
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