Combined Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Robot-Assisted Upper Arm Training in Subacute Stroke Patients

Combined Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Robot-Assisted Upper Arm Training in Subacute Stroke Patients : Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was designed to establish the clinical evidence for effect of Robot-Assisted upper arm training and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on upper limb function of subacute stroke patients.

• Purpose : to elucidate the effect of Robot-Assisted upper arm training and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on upper limb function of stroke patients compared to conventional occupational therapy
• Subjects : total 99 patients with stroke whose upper limb functions are impaired
• Intervention : 4 weeks of therapy (5 days per week)
• Studies : upper limb functional assessment (FMA, MFT, WMFT), computerized motion analysis
• Evaluation plan : 1) pre-intervention, 2) post-2 weeks of intervention, 3) post-4 weeks of intervention, 4) 4 weeks after end of intervention

Inclusion Criteria:

• Upper FMA 7-38
• Hemiplegic patients within 6months after stroke onset
• male or female, 20 years older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with cognitive impairment who are unable to comply with protocol-required procedure
• Quadriplegic or double hemiplegic patients
• Patients with musculoskeletal disease, peripheral nerve disease in upper extremity
• Patients with lower motor neuron disease
• Patients who cannot perform rTMS
• Pregnant woman