Abstract
Background: Spasticity is common among patients with stroke. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a painless and noninvasive therapy that is a promising approach to reducing spasticity. However, the central mechanism of this therapy remains unclear. Changes in cortical activity and decreased spasticity after rPMS intervention require further exploration. The aim of this study was to explore the electroencephalography (EEG) mu rhythm change and decrease in spasticity after rPMS intervention in patients with stroke.Materials and methods: A total of 32 patients with spasticity following stroke were recruited in this study and assigned to the rPMS group (n = 16) or sham group (n = 16). The modified Ashworth scale, modified Tardieu scale, and Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper extremity were used to assess changes in upper limb spasticity and motor function. Before and after the rPMS intervention, EEG evaluation was performed to detect EEG mu rhythm changes in the brain.Results: After one session of rPMS intervention, spasticity was reduced in elbow flexors (p < 0.05) and wrist flexors (p < 0.05). Upper limb motor function measured according to the Fugl–Meyer assessment was improved (p < 0.05). In the rPMS group, the power of event-related desynchronization decreased in the mu rhythm band (8–12 Hz) in the contralesional hemisphere (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The results indicate that rPMS intervention reduced spasticity. Cortical activity changes may suggest this favorable change in terms of its neurological effects on the central nervous system.
Highlights
Spasticity develops mainly as a result of disruption in the balance of supraspinal inhibitory and excitatory inputs to the spinal cord after the formation of a central lesion [1]
Further analysis revealed the MAS total score was significantly lower after the intervention in the Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) group (p < 0.0071; Bonferroni’s correction)
These results are consistent with the findings of Krewer et al, who reported a decrease in spasticity in the wrist flexors after a single rPMS intervention session in patients following stroke [12]
Summary
Spasticity develops mainly as a result of disruption in the balance of supraspinal inhibitory and excitatory inputs to the spinal cord after the formation of a central lesion [1]. Et al reported that spasticity following stroke could be modified through stimulation of the ipsilesional or contralesional hemisphere [4]. Activity in these hemispheres may influence spasticity, and cortical activity may change with changes in spasticity. Exploring the cortical activity changes during interventions in reducing spasticity can facilitate improvements in the assessment and treatment of spasticity. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a painless and noninvasive therapy that is a promising approach to reducing spasticity. Changes in cortical activity and decreased spasticity after rPMS intervention require further exploration. The aim of this study was to explore the electroencephalography (EEG) mu rhythm change and decrease in spasticity after rPMS intervention in patients with stroke
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