Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study
Abstract Theta burst stimulation (TBS) can modulate cortical excitability but suffers from high inter-subject variability. Modified TBS frequency patterns (30 Hz) showed consistent inhibitory aftereffects, but further research into the time course of these effects is needed. This study aimed to inve...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2024-12-01
|
| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81399-7 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850169788749316096 |
|---|---|
| author | Joana Frieske Sybren Van Hoornweder Marten Nuyts Stefanie Verstraelen Stephan P. Swinnen Raf L.J. Meesen |
| author_facet | Joana Frieske Sybren Van Hoornweder Marten Nuyts Stefanie Verstraelen Stephan P. Swinnen Raf L.J. Meesen |
| author_sort | Joana Frieske |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Theta burst stimulation (TBS) can modulate cortical excitability but suffers from high inter-subject variability. Modified TBS frequency patterns (30 Hz) showed consistent inhibitory aftereffects, but further research into the time course of these effects is needed. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 30 Hz continuous TBS (cTBS) protocol. Participants (n = 20) underwent an experimental session (real cTBS) and a control session (sham cTBS). To assess cortical excitability, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation was applied over the primary motor cortex before cTBS, and at five timepoints after cTBS. Percentage change (PC) to baseline was analysed using a Linear Mixed Model. No difference in PC was found between real and sham cTBS (p = 0.696). Our results demonstrate a significant increase in PC over time (p = 0.006) at 30, (p = 0.01), 45 (p = 0.027), and 55 min (p = 0.024) post cTBS, irrespective of condition. Secondary analysis dividing the sample into responders and paradox-responders showed no significant predictors for cTBS responsiveness. We could not replicate previously reported suppressive effects of 30 Hz cTBS. Increases in MEP amplitudes over a 60-minute time window were independent of stimulation condition and marked by high inter-subject variability. Validations of modified TBS protocols are further needed to replicate findings and understand mechanisms underlying individuals’ responsiveness. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8d5bcb63e7144d6b8c8b126de50dd114 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-8d5bcb63e7144d6b8c8b126de50dd1142025-08-20T02:20:38ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222024-12-011411910.1038/s41598-024-81399-7Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled studyJoana Frieske0Sybren Van Hoornweder1Marten Nuyts2Stefanie Verstraelen3Stephan P. Swinnen4Raf L.J. Meesen5REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt - Campus DiepenbeekREVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt - Campus DiepenbeekREVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt - Campus DiepenbeekREVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt - Campus DiepenbeekMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU LeuvenREVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt - Campus DiepenbeekAbstract Theta burst stimulation (TBS) can modulate cortical excitability but suffers from high inter-subject variability. Modified TBS frequency patterns (30 Hz) showed consistent inhibitory aftereffects, but further research into the time course of these effects is needed. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 30 Hz continuous TBS (cTBS) protocol. Participants (n = 20) underwent an experimental session (real cTBS) and a control session (sham cTBS). To assess cortical excitability, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation was applied over the primary motor cortex before cTBS, and at five timepoints after cTBS. Percentage change (PC) to baseline was analysed using a Linear Mixed Model. No difference in PC was found between real and sham cTBS (p = 0.696). Our results demonstrate a significant increase in PC over time (p = 0.006) at 30, (p = 0.01), 45 (p = 0.027), and 55 min (p = 0.024) post cTBS, irrespective of condition. Secondary analysis dividing the sample into responders and paradox-responders showed no significant predictors for cTBS responsiveness. We could not replicate previously reported suppressive effects of 30 Hz cTBS. Increases in MEP amplitudes over a 60-minute time window were independent of stimulation condition and marked by high inter-subject variability. Validations of modified TBS protocols are further needed to replicate findings and understand mechanisms underlying individuals’ responsiveness.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81399-7Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS)Variability30 hz cTBSResponsivenessCortical excitability |
| spellingShingle | Joana Frieske Sybren Van Hoornweder Marten Nuyts Stefanie Verstraelen Stephan P. Swinnen Raf L.J. Meesen Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study Scientific Reports Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) Variability 30 hz cTBS Responsiveness Cortical excitability |
| title | Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study |
| title_full | Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study |
| title_fullStr | Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study |
| title_short | Continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham-controlled study |
| title_sort | continuous theta burst stimulation at 30 hz does not modulate cortical excitability in a sham controlled study |
| topic | Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) Variability 30 hz cTBS Responsiveness Cortical excitability |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81399-7 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT joanafrieske continuousthetaburststimulationat30hzdoesnotmodulatecorticalexcitabilityinashamcontrolledstudy AT sybrenvanhoornweder continuousthetaburststimulationat30hzdoesnotmodulatecorticalexcitabilityinashamcontrolledstudy AT martennuyts continuousthetaburststimulationat30hzdoesnotmodulatecorticalexcitabilityinashamcontrolledstudy AT stefanieverstraelen continuousthetaburststimulationat30hzdoesnotmodulatecorticalexcitabilityinashamcontrolledstudy AT stephanpswinnen continuousthetaburststimulationat30hzdoesnotmodulatecorticalexcitabilityinashamcontrolledstudy AT rafljmeesen continuousthetaburststimulationat30hzdoesnotmodulatecorticalexcitabilityinashamcontrolledstudy |