Abstract
Objective To study the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation combined with exercise on spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors among stroke survivors. Methods Sixty stroke survivors with spasticity in their ankle plantar flexors were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups were given conventional kinesitherapy, while the treatment group were additionally provided with repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for 4 weeks. The myoelectric activity of the agonist and antagonist muscles was recorded using surface electromyography during maximum isometric voluntary contractions of the ankle dorsiflexors and co-contraction ratios (CRs) were calculated. The motor function, walking ability and ankle plantar flexor spasticity were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE), functional ambulation categories (FACs) and a composite spasticity scale (CSS). Results Before the intervention there was no signification difference between the two groups in terms of any of the assessments. After 4 weeks of treatment, the average integrated EMG of the anterior tibialis in the treatment group was significantly better than in the control group. That group′s average FMA-LE and FAC scores were also significantly better. The experimental group′s average spasticity score and co-contraction ratio during maximum isometric voluntary contractions of the ankle dorsiflexors had both decreased significantly. All of the improvements in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group. Conclusion Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation combined with the exercise therapy can effectively reduce ankle plantar flexior spasticity while improving motor function and walking ability. It is more effective than exercise alone. Key words: Magnetic stimulation; Exercise therapy; Stroke; Spasticity; Surface electromyography
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