This study is aimed to investigate the effect of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper extremity spasticity and functional recovery in patients with chronic ischemic stroke.
A sham-controlled double-blind randomized study was undertaken. 20 patients with chronic stroke were randomized into active rTMS group (n=7), active cTBS group (n=7) and sham cTBS group (n=6). In the active rTMS group, 10 sessions of intact hemispheric upper extremity motor area (M1) were targeted and inhibitor rTMS was applied with a frequency of 1 Hz consisting of 1200 pulses for 20 minutes. In the active cTBS group, 10 sessions of intact hemispheric upper extremity motor area (M1) were targeted and cTBS was administered for a total of 600 pulses consisting of 3 burst stimulations of 50 Hz repeated every 200 milliseconds for 40 seconds. Sham cTBS was applied in the same protocol but using sham coil. Within 30 minutes after TMS sessions, all patients underwent 10 sessions of joint range of motion, stretching, strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, hand rehabilitation and daily living activities under the guidance of a physiotherapist, regardless of which group they were in. Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Motor Activity Log-28 (MAL-28) and Brunnstrom upper extremity and hand motor recovery stage were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow up at 4 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
20
10 sessions of intact hemispheric upper extremity motor area (M1) were targeted and inhibitor rTMS was applied with a frequency of 1 Hz consisting of 1200 pulses for 20 minutes. In addition, within 30 minutes after TMS sessions, all patients underwent 10 sessions of joint range of motion, stretching, strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, hand rehabilitation and daily living activities.
10 sessions of intact hemispheric upper extremity motor area (M1) were targeted and cTBS was administered for a total of 600 pulses consisting of 3 burst stimulations of 50 Hz repeated every 200 milliseconds for 40 seconds. In addition, within 30 minutes after TMS sessions, all patients underwent 10 sessions of joint range of motion, stretching, strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, hand rehabilitation and daily living activities.
Gaziler PMR, Training and Research Hospital, Department of PMR
Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Scale
Scale measures level of upper extremity motor functions (min-max: 18-126 points). Higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
Modified Ashworth Scale
Scale measures muscle tone (spasticity) (min-max:0-4). Higher values represent a worse outcome.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
Functional Independence Measure
Scale measures level of independence on activities of daily life (min-max: 18-126 points). Self-care part of the motor subscale was used in this study (min-max:6-42 points). Higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
Motor Activity Log-28
Scale measures frequency of use and functionality level of the affected upper limb during daily activities (min-max: 0-5 points). Higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Scale
Scale measures upper extremity and hand motor recovery stages (min-max: 1-6). Higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
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10 sessions of intact hemispheric upper extremity motor area (M1) were targeted and sham cTBS was administered for a total of 600 pulses consisting of 3 burst stimulations of 50 Hz repeated every 200 milliseconds for 40 seconds. In addition, within 30 minutes after TMS sessions, all patients underwent 10 sessions of joint range of motion, stretching, strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, hand rehabilitation and daily living activities.