| Objective: To investigate the effect of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with occupational therapy on the recovery of upper limb function less than 3 months after a stroke. Methods: Sixty stroke patients were randomly divided into a study group and a control group, with 30 in each group. Both groups received the routine occupational therapy. The study group was treated with 1Hz rTMS additionally. Before and after treatment, the upper extremity portion of the Fugl Meyer assessment (FMA) was performed along with a functional test for the hemiplegic extremity (FTHUE). The modified Barthel Index (MBI) was also quantified. Results: During the treatment, 2 patients in the study group and 1 patient in the control group dropped out. No serious side effect was found. After the intervention, both groups had significantly improved their average FMA, FTHUE and MBA scores, with the average scores of study group being significantly higher than those of control group. Conclusions: Occupational therapy in combination with rTMS can improve motor recovery after stroke. |
