Clinical Research
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for monitoring the rehabilitation of upper-extremity function after stroke
Min Su, Liying Han, Weixin Yang, Hongbing Zhang, Yunqiang Zan
Published 2016-03-25
Cite as Chin J Phys Med Rehabil, 2016, 38(3): 175-179. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2016.03.004
Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the transcranial magnetic stimulation on upper-extremity function rehabilitation and changes in the excitability of cerebral cortex, and to evaluate from the viewpoint of electrophysiology the prognosis so as to guide the rehabilitation treatment of patients after stroke.
MethodsForty-six patients in the early stage after a stroke were given TMS examinations of the ipsilateral brain region. Those with the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) amplitudes lower than 50 μV were classified into a motion-induced experimental negative group (the negative group), while those whose MEP amplitude reached 50 μV or more were classified as movement-induced positive (the positive group). Both groups were given the same treatment. Before and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment the Fugl-Meyer movement function rating scale was used to assess their bilateral upper limb movement function. TMS technology was used to detect any change in the resting motor threshold (RMT) and the amplitude (Amp) of MEPs in the motor cortex. The incubation period of the cortex (CL) and the central motor conduction time (CMCT) in the contralateral motor cerebral cortex were also observed.
ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment, the average score of the positive group on Fugl-Meyer upper movement function rating scale reached (54.99±2.76), significantly higher than before treatment and significantly higher than the negative group's average (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the average score in the positive group had increased further to 73.11±2.98, still significantly higher than that of the negative group (P<0.01). After treatment, RMT decreased progressively in both groups, but that of the negative group dropped from (98.35±10.12) to (30.35±7.31) (P<0.01), with significantly greater decline in amplitude and rate than that of the positive group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Amp of both groups showed a gradual increasing trend. Amp increased earlier in the positive group, but there was no significant difference in the extent of the increase between the two groups (P>0.05). After the treatment the CL and CMCT had shortened significantly in the negative group compared to before the treatment (P<0.05), while there was no significant change in CL and CMCT after the treatment (P>0.05).
ConclusionsThe excitability of the contralateral motor cortex changes after a stroke. TMS can be used to characterize the MEP to monitor and predict recovery. This should help clinicians prepare more scientific rehabilitation plans.
Key words:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Stroke; Upper limb movement function; Cortical excitability
Contributor Information
Min Su
Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
Liying Han
Weixin Yang
Hongbing Zhang
Yunqiang Zan
