Publications
The Effects of a Low-Frequency rTMS Post-Hand Therapy Program on Upper Limb Function and Antispasticity in Patients with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia
Authors: Sung-Ryong Ma 1, Jung-Woo Jeong 2, Jae-Hoon Jeong 3
Affiliations:
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical Therapy Sangji University, Wonju 26339, Republic of Korea
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Bobath Hospital, Hanam 12938, Republic of Korea
Journal: Journal of Magnetics - January 2026, Volume30, Issue 4, Pages 816-824 (DOI: 10.4283/JMAG.2025.30.4.816)
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Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Treatment evaluation
- Neurology
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Purpose: To investigate the effects of a hand therapy program after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper limb function and spasticity in stroke cases.
Methods: This study divided patients (>6 months) into two groups (experimental group: hand therapy program group after rTMS, control group: general hand therapy group, [n=15 per group]). The program was conducted thrice a week for one week, and upper limb function (Manual Function Test, [MFT]) and muscle tone (MyotonPRO muscle tester) were evaluated before and after the experiment.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in upper limb function and decreased muscle tone. In a between-group test after the intervention, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in upper limb function and decreased muscle tone compared with the control group.
Conclusion: rTMS and hand therapy programs are potential therapeutic approaches for brain injury cases and impaired motor function, improving neurophysiological and kinesthetic functions. In the future, we plan to conduct a follow-up study using a hand therapy program and rTMS for stroke patients to prove its effectiveness.
Keywords: 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, cerebral magnetic field, upper extremity function, muscle tone, stroke
These results suggest that a hand therapy program following rTMS is a useful treatment approach for reducing tension in the injured upper limb, resulting in anti-spasticity effects and improved upper limb function.
Currently, various therapeutic approaches are used to improve spasticity and motor function in patients with various brain injuries, including stroke. Treatments such as rTMS, which promote brain plasticity in the damaged cerebral hemisphere when combined with exercise therapy and tasks, are gaining attention. Since rTMS and hand therapy programs can improve neurophysiological and kinesthetic functions, they are considered potential treatment approaches for patients with brain injury who have impaired motor function.