Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the lower limbmotor functionof cerebral infarction patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the motor function of lower limbs of patients with cerebral infarction. Methods Sixty stroke survivors with lower limb dysfunctionwere randomly assigned to an rTMS treatment group or a control group, each of 30. Both groups were given routine medication and rehabilitation treatment, while the treatment group was additionally provided with 4 weeks of rTMS treatment of the contra-lesional M1 at 1 Hz and 90% motor threshold. The Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) and maximum walking speed (MWS) were used to assess both groups before and after the treatment and 2 weeks later. Adverse reactions were also recorded. Results Before the intervention, no differences were found between the two groups. After the treatment and two weeks after that, significant improvement was observed in the average FMA and 10 m MWS of both groups, with significantly more improvement in the treatment group than among the controls. No obvious adverse reactions were observed in either group. Conclusions rTMS can improve the motor function of the affected lower limbs of stroke patients safely. Key words: Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Cerebrovascular diseases; Cerebral infarction; Motor function; Lower limbs; Rehabilitation