Frequency-dependent effects of muscle tendon vibration on corticospinal excitability: a TMS study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of muscle tendon vibration at different frequencies on corticospinal excitability by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A second objective was to describe whether the observed modulations in motor evoked potentials (MEPs), as a function of vibration frequency, reflect the behavior of Ia afferents during and after vibration. In ten subjects, muscle tendon vibration (duration 30 s) was applied to the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle at three different frequencies (20, 75 and 120 Hz). MEPs following single-pulse TMS were recorded from the targeted muscle during a previbration, vibration, and postvibration period. Muscle tendon vibration at 75 Hz increased the MEP amplitude significantly during vibration, whereas a smaller but still significant effect was observed during 120 Hz vibration. No significant MEP changes could be observed during 20 Hz vibration and during the postvibration period for each frequency. Our findings indicate that muscle tendon vibration exerts a frequency-dependent effect on corticospinal excitability. Furthermore, evidence is provided for the notion that the excitatory effect of muscle tendon vibration on the primary motor cortex is mediated by Ia afferent input.