Modulation of the Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) by Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) with Respect to the Primary Motor Cortex with Parallel Co-registration of Functional Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

In this series of studies, we aim to address the issues of tDCS comprehensively. We are conducting a multifaceted methodological investigation into the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation on the primary motor cortex in both healthy subjects and individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This work includes three separate experiments aimed at examining both the neurophysiological foundations underlying the effects of stimulation and the specific characteristics influencing these effects. In the first experiment, we compare the effects of different electrode sizes on healthy subjects without any motor function impairments using TMS. Concurrently, we assess the effectiveness of an innovative electrode form factor on patients with Parkinson’s disease, characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Finally, in the third experiment, we evaluate how different electrical current characteristics during motor cortex stimulation affect the hemodynamic response of this area using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).