Efficacy of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on the functional recovery in stroke patients

Abstract © 2018 Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University Copyright r 2018 Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Background Optimizing the management of stroke is a national priority. In Egypt, the mean crude prevalence rate of stroke is 721.6/100,000 1of which almost 30 percent suffer from post stroke spasticity. Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is a new faster modality of the conventional rTMS that is used to improve functional recovery after stroke. Objective This work was carried out to assess the effects of peripheral TBS in improving the functional recovery of the lower limb after stroke. Patients and methods A case–control study was conducted to include 27 patients with chronic stroke, who were selected from the attendants of the neurology outpatient clinic in Ain Shams University Hospital, along with 19 participants of age-matched and sex-matched stroke patients as a control group. Case and control groups were subjected to neurological and functional assessment using gait assessment rating scale (GARS) at baseline and after the sessions. An informed written consent was taken from patients included in the study. All patients received 6 sessions of peripheral TBS on affected lower limb. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the improvement of functional scale (GARS). Conclusion Peripheral TBS improves gait and functional recovery in chronic stroke patients.