Mechanisms and applications of theta-burst rTMS on the human motor cortex
Abstract
Theta-burst Stimulation (TBS) is a novel form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Applied over the primary motor cortex it has been successfully used to induce changes in cortical excitability. The advantage of this stimulation paradigm is that it is able to induce strong and long lasting effects using a lower stimulation intensity and a shorter time of stimulation compared to conventional rTMS protocols. Since its first description, TBS has been used in both basic and clinical research in the last years and more recently it has been expanded to other domains than the motor system. Its capacity to induce synaptic plasticity could lead to therapeutic implications for neuropsychiatric disorders. The neurobiological mechanisms of TBS are not fully understood at present; they may involve long-term potentiation (LTP)- and depression (LTD)-like processes, as well as inhibitory mechanisms modulated by GABAergic activity. This article highlights current hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of action of TBS and some central factors which may influence cortical responses to TBS. Furthermore, previous and ongoing research performed in the field of TBS on the motor cortex is summarized.
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Continuous TBS is thought to involve several neural mechanisms including long-term depression (LTD), and inhibitory mechanisms modulated by GABAergic transmission.
“Continuous TBS is thought to involve several neural mechanisms including long-term depression (LTD), and inhibitory mechanisms modulated by GABAergic transmission (Cárdenas-Morales et al., 2010).”
From Theta burst stimulation to characterize changes in brain plasticity following mild traumatic brain injury: A proof-of-principle study (2015) · cites this paper as Cárdenas-Morales et al., 2010
TBS could target both excitatory and inhibitory networks within the human motor cortex.
“TBS could therefore target both excitatory and inhibitory networks within the human motor cortex (Cárdenas-Morales et al., 2010).”
From Theta burst stimulation to characterize changes in brain plasticity following mild traumatic brain injury: A proof-of-principle study (2015) · cites this paper as Cárdenas-Morales et al., 2010
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Can noninvasive brain stimulation enhance cognition in neuropsychiatric disorders?
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- Authors
- Cárdenas-Morales, L., Nowak, D. A., Kammer, T., Wolf, R. C., & Schönfeldt-Lecuona, C.
- Affiliations
- University of Cologne (DE)
- Universität Ulm (DE)
- Venue
- Brain Topography
- Published
- 2009-03-14
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 294-306
- ISSN
- 0896-0267 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-6792
- OpenAlex
- W1981346162
- Cited by
- 209
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 15
- FWCI
- 0.91
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Brain Topography (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › Neurological disorders and treatments
- Keywords
- theta burst stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, primary motor cortex, cortical excitability, synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, long-term depression, GABAergic inhibition, mechanism of action, neuropsychiatric disorders, non-invasive brain stimulation
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Brain Diseases, Humans, Motor Cortex, Theta Rhythm, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
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