Effect of rTMS with Rehabilitation on Hand Function and Corticomotor Excitability in Sub-Acute Stroke

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. Hand motor impairment resulting from chronic stroke may have extensive physical, psychological, economical, and social implications despite available rehabilitative treatments. The best time to start treatment for stroke is in sub-acute period. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation [rTMS] is a method of stimulating and augmenting the neurophysiology of the motor cortex in order to promote the neuroplastic changes that are associated with motor recovery. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols plus routine rehabilitation on hand motor functions and hand corticomotor excitability in stroke patients with hemiplegia with pure routine rehabilitation programs.