Increased elbow angle improves measurement of cortical voluntary activation of the elbow flexors

We aim to develop a more reliable paradigm in which to measure cortical voluntary activation (cVA) in nonimpaired and patient populations. Modulation of joint angle and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (ppTMS) were examined as means of improving the measurement of cVA due to their ability to alter the motor evoked potential (MEP) response of target muscles at rest. A more flexed elbow angle yielded no difference between cortical and peripheral voluntary activation.