Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with functional electrical stimulation on hand function of stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been widely used for hand function recovery in patients with subacute and chronic stroke. To observe the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) on hand function recovery during convalescence of stroke. Patients were divided into3 groups of 20 patients in each. All patients received routine training. rTMS group was treated with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). FES group received functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy. Observation group was treated with low-frequency rTMS and FES. The changes of TMS-MEP in the 3 groups were observed at the time of enrollment and after 2 courses of treatment, respectively, and the total active activity of fingers (TAM) and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) rating scale were evaluated in wrist and hand parts. The amplitude of TMS-MEP was significantly higher than that of FES group. FMA score and TAM score in the observation group were significantly better than that of rTMS group and FES group. Low-frequency rTMS combined with FES treatment can effectively improve the range of motion of fingers, and significantly improve the grasp, pinching and other functions of hands.