Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper extremity motor function in stroke patients

Abstract

Background and Aims: Repetitive TMS is a painless and noninvasive rehabilitation treatment method. Due to the effects on regulating the excitability of the brain cortex, it is considered to be beneficial for promoting motor function recovery after stroke. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of different frequency rTMS on the affected upper extremity motor function recovery. Methods: Twenty-six patients were included in this research. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. Subjects received 10 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS over the unaffected hemisphere in the first group and 10 Hz rTMS over the affected hemisphere in another, along with common rehabilitation measures. Motor function was evaluated before and after the treatment using dynamometry and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Results: Nine subjects dropped out of the trial for various reasons and 16 were included in statistical analysis. Both FMA and dynamometry scores were significantly better in 1 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups after treatment. There was no difference between groups before and after treatment. Conclusions: Both 1 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS may be equally effective for upper extremity motor function recovery after stroke.