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.

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.