Modulating motor cortex plasticity via cortical and peripheral somatosensory stimulation

This study identifies distinct mechanisms through which cortical and peripheral somatosensory stimulation influence motor cortex (M1) plasticity. Both continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the median nerve enhance corticospinal excitability, with cTBS exhibiting longer-lasting effects. Importantly, cTBS, but not TENS, modulates the interaction between M1 and S1. These findings form the basis for developing targeted somatosensory interventions aimed at modulating motor function.