Effect of long-term electric and short-term electromagnetic stimulation of spinal cord on parameters of caused muscule response in humans

Methods of non-invasive electric and electromagnetic stimulation of the spinal cord are used to study sensory-motor regulation of locomotor movements, to develop muscle strength, and to correct motor disorders. However, the influence of electric and electromagnetic stimulation of the spinal cord on the parameters of motor responses caused by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) remain poorly understood. The aim of the study was to analyze the changes in muscle responses caused by TMS of the cerebral cortex, under long-term electric and short-term electromagnetic stimulation of the spinal cord. Materials and Methods. Fourteen healthy males aged 19-23 were enrolled in the experiment. They underwent electric (20 min.) and electromagnetic (10 sec.) stimulation of the spinal cord at T11-T12 region. The amplitude of m. gastrocnemius and m. tibialis anterior motor responses was recorded before and after the stimulation. Results. Long-term percutaneous electric stimulation of the spinal cord resulted in an increase in m...