title: A comparison of two methods in acquiring stimulus-response curves with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The stimulus-response (S-R) curve is a well accepted constituent in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies. However, it has been suggested that parameters of the S-R curve differ when stimuli are provided in a "ramped" (measured steps from low to high intensity), or "random" fashion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We hypothesized that there would be no difference in the parameters of the S-R curve between either methodologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a randomised cross-over design, 10 healthy participants (29.6 ± 6.4 yrs, 3 f) completed "ramped" or "random" curves in biceps brachii (BB) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles of both limbs. Curves were compared using mixed-factor ANOVA and correlated between limbs and methodologies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences (P > 0.05) and high correlations (range 0.71-0.97; P < 0.001) were observed in BB and FDI data between curves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that either methodology provides similar parameters of the S-R curve in healthy participants.
authors: Cognitive and Exercise Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. alan.pearce@deakin.edu.au
authors: Alan J
authors: AJ
authors: Pearce
authors: Ross A
authors: RA
authors: Clark
authors: Dawson J
authors: DJ
authors: Kidgell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation