Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation to Promote Motor Re-education after Upper Limb Reconstruction

Project Summary

A repetitive, non-invasive brain stimulation technique referred to as theta burst stimulation can modulate excitability of motor pathways from the motor cortex to muscle (i.e., corticomotor excitability). Therefore, theta burst stimulation has great rehabilitative potential for individuals with neurologic deficits, including individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In particular, intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can increase corticomotor excitability and may be a useful adjunct to physical rehabilitation to promote motor re-education after upper limb reconstruction in individuals with tetraplegia. Upper limb reconstruction involves surgical transfer of a non-paralyzed tendon or nerve with a redundant or less important function to perform a more critical function. Upper limb reconstruction is intended to help individuals achieve their goals related to activities of daily living and independence in the community. The long-term goal of our research is to determine whether iTBS combined with physical rehabilitation can improve motor re-education after reconstruction. As a first step, the purpose of our current work is to determine the effect of iTBS on corticomotor excitability of proximal muscles in nonimpaired individuals and two groups of individuals with tetraplegia: individuals with and without upper limb reconstruction.