Training effects outweigh effects of single-session conventional rTMS and theta burst stimulation in PD patients.
BACKGROUND
Focal single-session repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the primary motor cortex has been claimed to be capable of improving motor function in Parkinson's disease.


OBJECTIVE
The authors sought to determine which type of rTMS protocol holds the highest potential for future therapeutic application.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients with Parkinson's disease received 5 different rTMS protocols on 5 consecutive days in a pseudorandomized and counterbalanced order either in the defined OFF condition or with their usual medication. The protocols tested in the present study included 2 conventional rTMS protocols (0.5 and 10 Hz) as well as the recently introduced theta burst stimulation (cTBS, iTBS) and a sham condition. Cortical excitability, motor performance (pointing movement, pronation-supination, Purdue Pegboard Test, walking), and mood were assessed before and after each session.


RESULTS
The authors observed motor training from days 1 to 4, particularly in the group on dopaminergic medication. None of the rTMS paradigms excelled placebo stimulation. The only exception was the Purdue Pegboard Test, in which all active stimulation paradigms yielded slightly stronger effects than sham stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Within a single session, no clinically relevant difference in the rTMS protocols could be detected. Training effects outweigh and may have masked rTMS effects, particularly in the group on dopaminergic mediation.
Rothkegel
Holger
H
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Sommer
Martin
M
Rammsayer
Thomas
T
Trenkwalder
Claudia
C
Paulus
Walter
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000503:physiopathology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013826:Theta Rhythm / Q000379:methods*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015259:Dopamine Agents