Effectiveness of Augmented Reality and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Investigate the Effectiveness of Augmented Reality and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Technology in Persons With Stroke

This study is to investigate the combined effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Augmented Reality (AR) intervention on cortical excitability, balance, gait, activity in individuals with stroke. Forty participants will be recruited in this study. They will be allocated to four group: rTMS and AR group (10), sham rTMS and AR group (10), AR group (10), and conventional physiotherapy group (10).

Participants will be randomized allocated to four groups: rTMS and AR group, sham rTMS and AR group, AR group ,and conventional physiotherapy group in current study. All participants underwent four weeks, 3 sessions per week, and 60 minutes per session training program. Motor evoked potential (MEP), Time up go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Multi-directional Reach Test (MDRT),The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaires (TDQ) will be assessed before and after intervention in all participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Cognitive ability is sufficient to understand the nature of study (Mini-Mental State Examination score was above 23).
2. Participants suffer from unilateral hemiplegia caused by a first-ever stroke.
3. Participants are stable in medical and psychological condition.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants have other neurologic problems that can affect balance and walking ability.
2. Participants take of drugs or have other medical condition that can affect balance and function.
3. Participants have contraindications for rTMS intervention such as pacemaker, cochlear implants, metal in the brain or skull, open wound of brain, or history of epilepsy.