| Objective: To study the effect of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with group rehabilitation therapy on the upper limb and hand function in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods: Seventy-two stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. All patients in both groups were given basic medication and conventional rehabilitation treatment. In addition, the patients in control group were given group rehabilitation, and those in the experimental group were given rTMS besides group rehabilitation. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), upper extremities functional test (UEFT) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were compared between two groups before and after treatment. Results: At the end of training, FMA-UE scores, UEFT scores, and MBI in both groups were significantly increased as compared with those before training (P<0.001), and the FMA and UEFT scores were significantly higher in experimental group than in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Low frequency rTMS combined with group rehabilitation can improve the training effectiveness, upper limb and hand functions, daily living ability and the quality of life. |
