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  • Title: Treatment of upper limb spasticity with inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.
    Author: Gottlieb A, Boltzmann M, Schmidt SB, Gutenbrunner C, Krauss JK, Stangel M, Höglinger GU, Wallesch CW, Rollnik JD.
    Journal: NeuroRehabilitation; 2021; 49(3):425-434. PubMed ID: 34542038.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Upper limb dysfunction is a frequent complication after stroke impairing outcome. Inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied over the contralesional hemisphere is supposed to enhance the positive effects of conventional rehabilitative treatment. OBJECTIVE: This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated whether inhibitory rTMS as add-on to standard therapy improves upper limb spasticity. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (aged 44 to 80 years) with unilateral stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory were analyzed. Participants were randomly assigned to inhibitory, low-frequency (LF-) rTMS (n = 14) or sham-rTMS (n = 14). The primary outcome measure was the spasticity grade, which was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). In addition, the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment (FMA) for the upper extremity (UE) and a resting-state fMRI were performed to measure motor functions and the sensorimotor network, respectively. RESULTS: The MAS score was reduced in the LF-rTMS group only, whereas the FMA score improved in both groups over time. Regarding the fMRI data, both groups activated typical regions of the sensorimotor network. In the LF-rTMS group, however, connectivity to the left angular gyrus increased after treatment. CONCLUSION: Changes in functional connectivity in patients receiving inhibitory rTMS over the contralesional motor cortex suggest that processes of neuronal plasticity are stimulated.
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