Article

The inhibitory role of neuronal networks in motor recovery after
stroke remains to be elucidated. We examined the influence of transcallosal
inhibition and short intracortical inhibition on motor recovery after stroke. We
also investigated the correlation between transcallosal inhibition and mirror
activity. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Thirty-eight chronic stroke
patients. METHODS: Transcallosal inhibition was evaluated using single
transcranial magnetic stimulation, and short intracortical inhibition was
assessed using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Mirror activity
was measured during tonic contraction of the contralateral hand. RESULTS:
Transcallosal inhibition from the contralesional to the ipsilesional motor cortex
correlated positively with motor function of the paretic hand; in contrast,
transcallosal inhibition to the ipsilesional motor cortex correlated negatively
with mirror activity of the paretic hand in both cortical and subcortical stroke
patients. Short intracortical inhibition of the ipsilesional motor cortex
correlated negatively with motor function of the paretic hand in only the
subcortical stroke patients. CONCLUSION: Transcallosal inhibition from the
contralesional to the ipsilesional motor cortex may inhibit mirror movements in
stroke patients with good motor function. The weak transcallosal inhibition in
patients after stroke with poor motor function may be ineffective for inhibiting
mirror movement; however, it may have the advantage of facilitating motor
recovery.

Langue : ANGLAIS