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Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex increases cortical voluntary activation and neural plasticity
Author(s) -
Frazer Ashlyn,
Williams Jacqueline,
Spittles Michael,
Rantalainen Timo,
Kidgell Dawson
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.25143
Subject(s) - transcranial magnetic stimulation , transcranial direct current stimulation , neuroplasticity , motor cortex , neuroscience , stimulation , psychology , isometric exercise , brain derived neurotrophic factor , medicine , brain stimulation , silent period , neurotrophic factors , physical medicine and rehabilitation , receptor
: We examined the cumulative effect of 4 consecutive bouts of noninvasive brain stimulation on corticospinal plasticity and motor performance, and whether these responses were influenced by the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) polymorphism. Methods : In a randomized double‐blinded cross‐over design, changes in strength and indices of corticospinal plasticity were analyzed in 14 adults who were exposed to 4 consecutive sessions of anodal and sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Participants also undertook a blood sample for BDNF genotyping ( N = 13). Results : We observed a significant increase in isometric wrist flexor strength with transcranial magnetic stimulation revealing increased corticospinal excitability, decreased silent period duration, and increased cortical voluntary activation compared with sham tDCS. Conclusions : The results show that 4 consecutive sessions of anodal tDCS increased cortical voluntary activation manifested as an improvement in strength. Induction of corticospinal plasticity appears to be influenced by the BDNF polymorphism. Muscle Nerve 54 : 903–913, 2016