The experimental group received rTMS to the primary motor cortex of the unaffected side in 10 sessions, 3 days per week, and conventional physical therapy

The control group received sham stimulation (same area as the experimental group) in 10 sessions, 3 days per week, and conventional physical therapy

The subjects were seated in a comfortable chair with head and arm rests. Focal TMS of the motor cortex was performed with a 70-mm figure-8 coil attached to magnetic stimulator stimulation parameters : frequency of 1Hz on the uninjured hemisphere by stroke; 1500 pulses with an intensity of 90% of MT 10 sessions of rTMS, one per day, always before conventional physical therapy

Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) uses a 6-point scale to score the average resistance to passive movement for each joint. In this study, the tonus of the wrist flexor muscles was tested

assess the effects of the intervention (rTMS and physical therapy) on spinal excitability as measured by the change The Hmax/Mmax ratio (calculated by dividing the maximal amplitude of the H wave by that of the M wave in median nerve) before (baseline), after treatment and after follow-up

The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) is considered the gold standard for evaluating the motor function recovery. It is designed to assess motor functioning, balance, sensation, and joint functioning. It is applied within clinical and in research contexts to determine the disease severity, describe motor recovery, and plan and assess interventions. In the present study, the 33-item of the UL section was employed. The items are rated on 3-point ordinal scale, as follows: 0= unable to perform; 1= partial ability to perform; and 2= near normal ability to perform. The UL subscale evaluates motor function recovery in six domains: flexor and extensor synergies, non-synergic movements, wrist and hand movements, and coordination and speed

the stroke specific quality of life scale (SSQOL) is used to provide an assessment of health-related quality of life specific to patients with stroke. The scale is a self-report (reference to the past two weeks) containing 49 items distributed into 12 domains (mobility, energy, upper extremity function, work/productivity, mood, self-care, social roles, family roles, vision, language, thinking and personality), rated on a 5-point scale. The total score (maximum 245) and the upper extremity function scores (maximum of 25) can be considered for analyses. The Brazilian version of the SSQOL was used in this study