Non-Invasive Electrical Brain Stimulation for Modulating Human Motor Neuron Activity

Abstract

Source: Curado, M. et. al., Non-Invasive Electrical Brain Stimulation Montages for Modulation of Human Motor Function. J. Vis. Exp. (2016)

This video demonstrates the setup and mechanism of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for modulating human motor function. By placing the anode over the primary motor cortex and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital area, the targeted electrical stimulation increases cortical excitability, enhancing motor neuron activity and improving motor performance.

Protocol

All procedures involving human participants have been performed in compliance with the institutional, national, and international guidelines for human welfare and have been reviewed by the local institutional review board.

1. Safety Screening

1. Screen the participant for potential contraindications for noninvasive brain stimulation, e.g., by using questionnaires.

2. Motor Cortex Localization

1. Locate the participant's hand motor cortex by one of two distinct approaches: by locating the brain representation of the muscle of interest by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potential (MEP), o....

Results

Figure 1. Electrode montages and current direction for distinct NEBS strategies. (A) For uni.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
NEBS device (DC Stimulator plus)	Neuroconn
Electrode cables	Neuroconn
Conductive-rubber electrodes	Neuroconn		5x5 cm
Perforated sponge bags	Neuroconn		5x5 cm
Non-conductive rubber sponge cover	Amrex-Zetron	FG-02-A103	Rubber pad 3"*3"
NaCl isotonic solution	B. Braun Melsungen AG	A1151	Ecoflac, 0,9%
Cotton crepe bandage	Paul Hartmann AG	931004	8x5m, textile elasticity
Adhesive tape (Leukofix)	BSN medical	02122-00	2,5cm*5m
Skin preparation paste	Weaver	10-30
Magnetic stimulator	Magstim	3010-00	Magstim 200
EMG conductive paste	GE Medical Systems	217083
EMG bipolar electrodes	e.g., Natus Medical Inc. Viking 4
EMG amplifier	e.g., Natus Medical Inc. Viking 4
Cable for EMG signal transmission	e.g., Natus Medical Inc. Viking 4
Data acquisition unit	Cambridge Electronic Design (CED)	MK1401-3	AD converter
Computer for signal recording and offline analysis
Signal 4.0.9	Cambridge Electronic Design (CED)		Software
Non-permanent skin marker	Edding	8020	1 mm, blue