PMC3420629_01
MEP magnitude was determined by identifying the peak-to-peak amplitude of the quadriceps EMG trace following each TMS-evoked stimulus.
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fig1
MEPs across 10 trials, each with a peak-to-peak amplitude (Figure 1) of at least 200 muV. MEPs were then elicited from the motor cortex at stimulus intensities of 105%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, and 145%
Stimulus response curves at the baseline testing session produced by calculating average MEP magnitudes at TMS stimulus intensities equal to 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, and 145% of the active motor threshold (AMT) for each limb. Values are represented as a normalized percentage of the average MEP amplitude calculated at 105% of the AMT for the affected limb (squares and solid lines) and unaffected limb (diamonds and dashed lines). Thick lines correspond to the first baseline testing session (before the initial 30-minute exercise session), while thin lines correspond to the second baseline testing session (immediately following the initial 30-minute exercise session).
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fig2
Between-limb differences in MEP amplitude were evident across all stimulus intensities at baseline (Figure 2).
Stimulus response curves for the affected limb from the baseline, preexercise testing session (thick line) and 8-week follow-up testing session (thin line) produced by calculating average MEP amplitudes at TMS stimulus intensities equal to 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, and 145% of the active motor threshold (AMT). Values are represented as a normalized percentage of the average MEP magnitude calculated at 105% of the AMT from each testing session.
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fig3
Following 8 weeks of lower limb muscle strengthening, MEP amplitudes in the affected limb increased, compared to baseline at all stimulus intensities except 115% of AMT (Figure 3).