Comparison between surface electrodes and ultrasound monitoring to measure TMS evoked muscle contraction

Introduction Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is widely used to explore cortical physiology in health and disease. Surface electromyography (sEMG) appropriate for superficial muscles, but cannot be applied easily less accessible muscles. Muscle ultrasound (mUS) may provide an elegant solution this problem, fundamental questions remain. We the relationship between TMS evoked muscle potentials contractions measured with mUS. Methods In 10 participants, we performed a recruitment curve, simultaneously measuring motor (MEPs) mUS biceps (BI), first dorsal interosseous (FDI), tibialis anterior (TA), tongue (TO). Results Resting threshold (RMT) measurements curves were found consistent across sEMG Discussion This work supports use of TMS-US study The implications are broad could include new range muscles disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.