Low-Intensity Paired-Pulse rTMS given to the Primary Motor Cortex at 5Hz Attenuates Intracortical Excitability

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the primary motor hand area (M1) at a rate of 5Hz and intensities at or just below active motor threshold can produce changes in paired-pulse intracortical inhibition (SICI) beyond the time of stimulation (Oliviero et al., Exp Brain Res 2003; 149: 107–113; Peinemann et al., Neurosci Lett 2000: 296 (Dec): 21–24). Objective: to examine whether paired-pulse rTMS (pp-rTMS) at a frequency of 5Hz can modify intracortical excitability. Methods: We investigated 10 right-handed healthy subjects. Paired rTMS was applied over the left M1. All participants r…