The Effect of High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Motor Function in Post-Stroke Patients.

, Sohn, Min Kyun; , Kim, Bong Ok; , Kim, Sung Gyum; , Choi, Pil Soon; , Hwang, Sun Hong

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2010;34(2):168-173.

Sohn, Min Kyun , Kim, Bong Ok , Kim, Sung Gyum , Choi, Pil Soon , Hwang, Sun Hong

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Korea. sgkkam@hanmail.net

고빈도 반복 경두부 자기자극이 뇌졸중의 운동 기능에 미치는 영향

손민균, 김봉옥, 김성겸, 최필순, 황선홍

충남대학교 의학전문대학원 재활의학교실

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the effects of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the affected hemisphere on the motor recovery and spasticity in chronic post-stroke hemiplegic patients.
Method
Thirteen chronic stroke hemiplegic patients were randomized to receive real and sham rTMS. rTMS was carried out 10 times at a frequency of 10 Hz with 10 s stimulation followed by 50 s rest, totalling 1,000 stimulations to the affected primary motor cortex using an intensity of 100% of resting motor threshold of unaffected hemisphere. Median nerve H-reflex, modified Ashworth scale (MAS) at elbow and wrist, and manual function test (MFT) were measured at baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment.
Results
High frequency rTMS resulted in increased H- reflex latency and decreased H-reflex amplitude and H/M ratio. Also MAS decreased and MFT score increased after 2 weeks of treatment.
Conclusion
High frequency rTMS in the affected motor cortex might facilitate motor recovery and reduce spasticity in chronic stroke patients. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2010; 34: 168-173)

Key Words: Stroke, Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, H-reflex, Modified Ashworth scale, Manual function test