Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves motor dysfunction after cerebral infarction

Low frequency (≤ 1 Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can affect the excitability of the cerebral cortex and synaptic plasticity. Although this is a common method for clinical treatment of cerebral infarction, whether it promotes the recovery of motor function remains controversial. Twenty patients with cerebral infarction combined with hemiparalysis were equally and randomly divided into a low frequency rTMS group and a control group. The patients in the low frequency rTMS group were given 1-Hz rTMS to the contralateral primary motor cortex with a stimulus intensity of 90% motor threshold, 30 minutes/day. The patients in the control group were given sham stimulation. After 14 days of treatment, clinical function scores (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Barthel Index, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment) improved significantly in the low frequency rTMS group, and the effects were better than that in the control group. We conclude that low frequency (1 Hz) rTMS for 14 days can help improve motor function after cerebral infarction.