A standardized motor threshold estimation procedure for transcranial magnetic stimulation research

Abstract

Objectives: To introduce and to test a simple standardized motor threshold (MT) estimation procedure for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) research. Methods: A 5-step MT estimation procedure was introduced, and interestimator reliability was tested by comparing MTs as determined by an experienced and a trainee TMS researcher in a double-blind design. Results: The parametric Pearson correlation between the MTs of the experienced and the MTs of the trainee TMS researcher was 0.95 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The currently proposed estimation procedure may be helpful in obtaining reliable MT values in experimental and clinical settings.