Motor-Evoked Potentials of the Abductor Hallucis Muscle and Their Relationship with Foot Arch Functional Anatomy.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between abductor hallucis (AH) muscle motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and foot arch anatomy.

Methods: Twelve healthy individuals underwent foot arch measurement using a digital photographic technique and measurements of cortical excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation applied on the cortical representation area of the right AH muscle. Truncated foot length and dorsal height were then measured and used to create the arch height index (AHI).

Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans.

Background: Valeriana officinalis extract (VE) is a popular herbal medicine used for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. Although the anxiolytic and sedative effects are mainly attributed to the modulation of GABA-ergic transmission, the mechanism of action has not been fully investigated in humans. Noninvasive brain stimulation protocols can be used to elucidate the mechanisms of action of psychoactive substances at the cortical level in humans.

Modulation of sensorimotor circuits during retrieval of negative Autobiographical Memories: Exploring the impact of personality dimensions.

Autobiographical Memory (AM) retrieval refers to recollection of experienced past events. Previous Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) studies have shown that presentation of emotional negative stimuli affects human motor cortex excitability resulting in larger motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Up to date no TMS studies have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of personal memories with negative emotional value on corticospinal excitability.