Effect of High Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on Extensor Digitorum Communis Muscle Strength in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation TMS neuroplasticity surface electromyography Extensor digitorum communis muscle strength subacute ischemic stroke

Authors

  • Bastianus Alfian Juatmadja
    bastianus88@gmail.com
    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya
  • Meisy Andriana Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya
  • Rwahita Satyawati Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya
February 28, 2020

Downloads

Abstract

Background: Stroke may disrupt a patient's motor function, consequently affecting the quality of life. A stroke surviving brain has the ability to repair itself through neuroplasticity mechanism. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive device which can be used to stimulate the lesioned part of the brain in hope of triggering neuroplasticity.

Aims: To find prove of the repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) effect on extensor digitorum communis muscle strength improvement in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: Subjects suitable with the inclusion criteria (N=18) were divided into two groups,  control group and intervention group. The control group underwent conventional therapy exclusively every day for 5 days in a row, while the intervention group underwent rTMS therapy and conventional therapy every day for 5 days in a row. Extensor digitorum communis muscle strength was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) before and after treatment.

Result: Significant increase of sEMG numbers were found on control group (p=0,003) and intervention group (p=0,001). The increase from the intervention group was not different when compared to the control group (p=0,067).

Conclusion: TMS can increase extensor digitorum communis muscle strength but with no difference with a conventional therapy.