Article

PURPOSE : To clarify the safety and feasibility of a 6-day protocol of
low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with
intensive occupational therapy (OT) for upper limb hemiparesis. METHODS:
In-hospital combination treatment was provided for 5 post-stroke patients with
upper limb hemiparesis after more than 12 months of the onset of stroke. Over 6
consecutive days, each patient received 10 sessions of combination treatment with
1 Hz rTMS and intensive OT (one-on-one training and self-training). Motor
function in the affected upper limb was evaluated by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA),
Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Ten-Second Test at admission, discharge, and 4
weeks after treatment. RESULTS: All patients completed the 6-day treatment
protocol and none showed any adverse effects throughout the treatment. At the end
of treatment, improvements in the scores of FMA, WMFT, and Ten-Second Test were
found in all patients. No deterioration of improved upper limb function was
observed at 4 weeks after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
Our proposed protocol of
combination treatment seems to be safe and feasible for post-stroke patients with
upper limb hemiparesis, although the efficacy of the protocol needs to be
confirmed in a large number of patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS