Fig 2. Paradigm for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Cortical excitability, intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were assessed within the left (active) motor cortex and interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) was assessed from the right (resting) to the left (active) 500ms prior to a low level contraction of the right FDI (A.). Measures of cortical excitability and inhibition were made 500ms prior to rhythmic low-level isometric contractions (5% MVC) of the right FDI. Contractions were maintained for 2 seconds with 3 seconds rest between contractions to prevent neuromuscular fatigue. The frame-based software allowed static cursors to be placed at 500ms and 2.5s to be used as cues to contract and relax the right FDI. This allowed for contractions to be rhythmic and predictable in nature Magnetic stimuli are represented as downward arrows and were applied at the start of each frame. (B).