Figure 2

TMS stimulus intensity and background EMG. (A). Group averages (with standard error) of TMS stimulator output intensity required to achieve ~1 mV MEP in the contralateral FDI during rest and 20% maximum voluntary contraction of FDI from right and left M1. Stimulus output was significantly lower during active contraction of the contralateral hand. There were no differences in TMS intensity between hemispheres. (B) Pre-stimulus EMG area recorded from the left and right FDI muscles while at rest (solid black) and during active tasks (hatched bars). 'Rest' represents the average of both right and left FDI when both muscles were relaxed. There was no difference between conditions while the hand was at rest or when actively engaged. FDI activity was significantly greater while actively engaged compared to resting states. Error bars represent standard error.