Article

This study examined whether repetitive transcranial magnetic
stimulation applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) affected
cognition or mood in poststroke patients. DESIGN:
The study was a single-center,
prospective, double-blind, sham-controlled preliminary study. Eighteen patients
(10 males and 8 females; average age, 62.9 yrs) were enrolled. All participants
were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups:
low-frequency (1 Hz)
stimulation, high-frequency (10 Hz) stimulation, and sham stimulation (control).
Each patient underwent 10 consecutive treatment sessions (five times per week for
2 wks). A Computerized Neuropsychological Test was used to evaluate cognitive
function, the Tower of London test was used to assess executive function, the
Modified Barthel Index score was used to assess activity of daily living
function, and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess mood status. These
evaluations were conducted in all patients before and after treatment. RESULTS:
Treatment had no significant effect on any cognitive function parameter,
including the Tower of London scores, in any of the three groups. In contrast,
high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation resulted in
significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory scores compared with baseline and
compared with the other two groups. The Modified Barthel Index scores
significantly increased in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS:
These preliminary data
suggest that there was a positive effect on mood, but the study was not powered
to detect any measurable effect on cognition.

Langue : ANGLAIS