A standardized motor threshold estimation procedure for transcranial magnetic stimulation research

J ECT. 2006 Sep;22(3):176-8. doi: 10.1097/01.yct.0000235924.60364.27.

Abstract

Objectives: To introduce and to test a simple standardized motor threshold (MT) estimation procedure for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) research.

Methods: A 5-step MT estimation procedure was introduced, and interestimator reliability was tested by comparing MTs as determined by an experienced and a trainee TMS researcher in a double-blind design.

Results: The parametric Pearson correlation between the MTs of the experienced and the MTs of the trainee TMS researcher was 0.95 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The currently proposed estimation procedure may be helpful in obtaining reliable MT values in experimental and clinical settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Efferent Pathways / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Observer Variation
  • Sensory Thresholds / physiology*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / standards