Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Combined with Aerobic Exercise on the Recovery of Motor Function in Ischemic Stroke Rat Model.

Juanxiu Cui,Yeongwook Kim,Cuk-Seong Kim,Min Kyun Sohn,Sungju Jee

doi:10.3390/brainsci10030186

Juanxiu Cui, Yeongwook Kim + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10030186

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Abstract

The therapeutic benefits of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with rehabilitation therapy on recovery after stroke have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of rTMS followed by aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity and recovery of motor function in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats were randomized into sham operation (N = 10, sham op), MCAO (N = 10, control group), rTMS (N = 10, MCAO and rTMS therapy), and combination groups (N = 10, MCAO and combination therapy). High-frequency rTMS (10 Hz) was applied on the ipsilesional forepaw motor cortex, and aerobic exercise training on the rotarod was performed for two weeks. The rotarod and Garcia tests were conducted to evaluate changes in behavioral function. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to evaluate electrophysiological changes. Stroke severity was assessed using infarction volume measurement. Neuronal recovery was explored with western blot for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway proteins. Compared with control therapy, combination therapy was significantly more effective than rTMS therapy for improving function on the rotarod test (p = 0.08), Garcia test (p = 0.001), and MEP amplitude (p = 0.001) In conclusion, combination therapy may be a potential treatment to promote recovery of motor function and neuroplasticity in stroke patients.

Highlights

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of severe and long-term physical disability in the UnitedStates [1]
We found the intensity of resting motor threshold (RMT) on the right hemisphere before the half of the trials
Based on rotarod and Garcia scores, were no significant differences in Motor evoked potentials (MEPs)

Summary

Introduction

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of severe and long-term physical disability in the United. Hemiparesis reduces the quality of life and causes a major economic burden to families and society. Rehabilitation therapy is the best approach for the treatment of neurological deficits after stroke [2]. Neurological impairments persist in most stroke survivors after rehabilitation, highlighting the inadequacy of treatment. Improving the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation remains a critical unmet need. Brain Sci. 2020, 10, 186; doi:10.3390/brainsci10030186 www.mdpi.com/journal/brainsci

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