Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) versus functional electrical stimulation (FES) in the treatment of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. Methods:The randomized controlled study included 60 patients with post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome who received treatment at the Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from July 2021 to February 2023. These patients were divided into an rTMS group ( n = 30) and an FES group ( n = 30) using a random number table method. Patients in the rTMS group were treated with rTMS, while those in the FES group were treated with FES. All treatments were performed once daily for 8 consecutive weeks. The clinical efficacy, total active movement score of the fingers, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score, Activity of Daily Living score, modified Barthel Index score, shoulder joint range of motion, and safety were compared between the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the FES group was 86.7% (26/30), which was significantly higher than 83.3% (25/30) in the rTMS group ( Z = 0.09, P = 0.93). After treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of total active movement score of the fingers and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score ( P = 0.244, 0.262). No significant differences were found between the two groups in MBI score and ADL score (both P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in shoulder joint range of motion between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Both rTMS and FES are highly effective for post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. They can improve upper limb function, enhance daily living abilities, and remodel neurological functions of the brain.