Jason Ting Siong Kai

• MBBS (NUMed Malaysia)
• Modulation of Motor Pathway Using Loud Sounds and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

When the motor pathways in the brain and spinal cord are injured, movement can become impossible or very restricted. The focus of our research is how we can strengthen the remaining connections to aid recovery. A loud startling sound preferentially activates the Reticulospinal Tract (RST), one of the motor pathways controlling our muscles. The RST can also be activated using non-invasive brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). By pairing these two inputs to the RST with the right timing, we aim to modulate RST function. 

Our results indicate that repeated pairing of a startling sound with TMS induces a long-lasting facilitation effect in motor responses in the biceps muscle. Importantly, this facilitation lasts for at least 30 minutes after the intervention and is absent in distal hand muscles. We therefore conclude that this may reflect enduring changes in the excitability of the RST specifically

Funding sources: Newcastle University and International Spinal Research Trust

Project supervisor: Professor Stuart Baker