Clinical Research
The therapeutic effects of supplementing rehabilitation with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating vascular cognitive impairment but no dementia
Luoman Hu, Qixiu Zhu, Yunxia Liu, Yanmin Lin, Naisu Tang, Wenhua Su, Jie Wang, Kaile Wang
Published 2016-04-25
Cite as Chin J Phys Med Rehabil, 2016, 38(4): 278-282. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2016.04.009
Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) together with rehabilitation on the cognitive functioning of patients with vascular cognitive impairment but no dementia (VCIND).
MethodsSixty patients with VCIND were randomly divided into an rTMS group and a control group using a random number table, each of 30. Both groups were given routine drug treatment including controlling their blood pressure and blood sugar, regulating the metabolism of lipids, nerve nurturing and circulation improvement. They also received conventional rehabilitation training consisting of physical therapy, occupational therapy and cognitive training. The rTMS group was additionally given rTMS using the CCY-type I transcranial magnetic stimulator over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at 10 Hz, 3000 pulses per day at their individual motor thresholds on weekdays for 4 weeks. The cognitive functioning and ability in daily life (ADL) of both groups was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after the treatment. The P300 latency and amplitude of both groups were also measured.
ResultsBefore the treatment, no significant differences were found in any of the measurements (P>0.05). After the treatment, the average P300 latency and amplitude of both groups were better than before treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the P300 latency of the rTMS group was significantly shorter[(344.48±20.10) ms](P<0.05) but the amplitude was significantly greater[(8.49±1.49)μV](P<0.05). After treatment the average MoCA, MMSE and MBI scores had increased significantly in both groups, but with significantly better increase in the rTMS group than in the control group, However, no significant improvement was observed in the MoCA abstract generalization or orientation results of either group,
ConclusionSupplementing conventional rehabilitation with rTMS is more effective in improving cognition and ADL performance. It is worth applying in clinical practice.
Key words:
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; Rehabilitation training; Vascular cognitive impairment but no dementia
Contributor Information
Luoman Hu
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
Qixiu Zhu
Yunxia Liu
Yanmin Lin
Naisu Tang
Wenhua Su
Jie Wang
Kaile Wang