Individualized rTMS for Motor Recovery in Stroke Patients

Efficacy of Individualized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Based on Cortical Laterality for Motor Recovery in Stroke Patients

This study aimed to aim to investigate the efficacy of individualized rTMS according to lateralization index on motor recovery and cortical excitability in subacute stroke patients.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology.

High and low frequencies of rTMS could modulate the excitability of the cerebral cortex. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) has achieved a similar effect to traditional rTMS mode.

However, the current rTMS studies for stroke patients utilized the same therapeutic protocol and there is no individualized rTMS protocol based on the value of lateralization index.

This study aimed to aim to investigate the efficacy of individualized rTMS according to lateralization index on motor recovery and cortical excitability in subacute stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
2. Stroke within 3 months
3. Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength in upper limb ≤ 3
4. No previous stroke, seizure, dementia, Parkinson's disease or other degenerative neurological diseases.
5. Patient could sit over 15 minutes
6. Age over 20

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor
2. With central nervous system disease (spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease)
3. Any contraindication to rTMS (seizure, alcoholism, metal implant, pacemaker)
4. Patients unable to cooperate the treatment
5. Pregnancy
6. Depression