Supplementing repeated low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with visual deprivation better improves the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors
10.3760/cma.j.cn421666-20250309-00208
- VernacularTitle:视觉剥夺训练联合低频重复经颅磁刺激对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能的影响
- Author:
Panpan SU
1
;
Qian LU
1
;
Peng YE
1
;
Ruizhi YU
1
;
Guanglong HOU
1
;
Chuan HE
1
Author Information
1. 南京医科大学附属江苏盛泽医院康复医学科，苏州 215228
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Stroke;
Visual deprivation;
Transcranial magnetic stimulation;
Motor functioning
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2025;47(9):809-814
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To observe any effect of combining visual deprivation training (VDT) with repeated low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of lower limb motor dysfunction among stroke survivors.Methods:Fifty stroke survivors were randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group ( n=25 each). In addition to routine rehabilitation treatment, the control group received rTMS targeting the primary motor cortex (M1, lower limb representation area) of the unaffected hemisphere, while the experimental group also received VDT. Before and after 4 weeks of the treatments, everyone′s lower limb motor function, balance, gait and ability in the activities of daily living were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE), the root mean square (RMS) values generated through surface electromyography of the affected tibialis anterior muscle, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), the Tinetti Gait Assessment (TGA), and the modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results:After the treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in their average FMA-LE, BBS, TUGT, TGA and MBI results, as well as in the RMS values of the affected tibialis anterior muscle. The experimental group showed significantly greater improvement compared to the control group.Conclusions:The combination of VDT and low-frequency rTMS can effectively improve the lower limb motor function, balance and gait of stroke survivors. It is more effective than rTMS alone. The combined therapy is worthy of clinical application and promotion.
