An integrated computer-controlled system for assisting researchers in cortical excitability studies by using transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is the most important technique currently avail-able to study cortical excitability. Additionally, TMS can be used for therapeutic andrehabilitation purposes, replacing the more painful transcranial electric stimulation (TES).In this paper we present an innovative and easy-to-use tool that enables neuroscientists todesign, carry out and analyze scientific studies based on TMS experiments for both diagnos-tic and research purposes, assisting them not only in the practicalities of administering theTMS but also in each step of the entire study’s workflow. One important aspect of this toolis that it allows neuroscientists to specify research designs at will, enabling them to defineany parameter of a TMS study starting from data acquisition and sample group definitionto automated statistical data analysis and RDF data storage. It also supports the diagnos-ing process by using on-line support vector machines able to learn incrementally from thediseases instances that are continuously added into the system. The proposed system isa neuroscientist-centred tool where the protocols being followed in TMS studies are madeexplicit, leaving to the users flexibility in exploring and sharing the results, and providingassistance in managing the complexity of the final diagnosis. This type of tool can make theresults of medical experiments more easily exploitable, thus accelerating scientific progress.