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Effects of 400 Hz Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation on Corticospinal and Corticocortical Excitability and Hand Dexterity: A Double-Blind RCT
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  • Shapour Jaberzadeh,
  • Mona Malekahmad,
  • Renming Liu,
  • Maryam Zoghi
Shapour Jaberzadeh
Monash University Department of Physiotherapy

Corresponding Author:shapour.jaberzadeh@monash.edu

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Mona Malekahmad
Monash University Department of Physiotherapy
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Renming Liu
Monash University Department of Physiotherapy
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Maryam Zoghi
Federation University Australia - Gippsland Campus
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Abstract

The effects of 400 Hz anodal and cathodal transcranial pulsed current stimulation of the primary motor cortex (400 Hz a-tPCS M1, 400 Hz c-tPCS M1) on corticospinal excitability (CSE) and corticocortical excitability (CCE) remain underexplored. This study examined the effects of 400 Hz a-tPCS M1, 400 Hz c-tPCS M1, and sham stimulation on CSE, CCE, and hand dexterity, providing insights for potential clinical applications in motor deficits. In this double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced crossover trial, 26 healthy young adults completed three experimental sessions: 400 Hz a-tPCS M1, 400 Hz c-tPCS M1, and sham stimulation, spaced 48 hours apart. Transcranial magnetic stimulation assessed CSE and CCE, while the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) evaluated hand dexterity. The results showed polarity-specific effects. A single session of 400 Hz a-tPCS M1 significantly increased CSE and improved hand dexterity, evidenced by faster PPT completion times (p < 0.05). Conversely, 400 Hz c-tPCS M1 reduced CSE but did not influence PPT performance (p > 0.05). Sham stimulation showed no significant changes. These findings suggest that 400 Hz a-tPCS M1 enhances motor excitability and dexterity, while 400 Hz c-tPCS M1 selectively reduces CSE. This study lays a foundation for exploring high-frequency tPCS in clinical motor rehabilitation.
31 Jan 2025Submitted to Psychophysiology
31 Jan 2025Submission Checks Completed
31 Jan 2025Assigned to Editor
31 Jan 2025Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Feb 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned