Cortical excitability variability: Insights into biological and behavioral characteristics of healthy individuals

Motor threshold (MT) measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has diagnostic utility in central nervous system disorders. Its diagnostic sensitivity may be enhanced by identification of non-pathological factors which may influence this measure. The aim of this study was to provide a description of MT variability across physiological and non-pathological behaviour characteristics in a large cohort, including hemispheric asymmetries. In a cross-sectional study, age, handedness, physical activity level, body mass index, gender/menstrual cycle phase, glycemic index and degree of stress were collected from 115 healthy participants.

Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences - April 21, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: A.P. Chagas, M. Monteiro, V. Mazer, A. Baltar, D. Marques, M. Carneiro, M.G. Rodrigues de Ara újo, D. Piscitelli, K.K. Monte-Silva Source Type: research