Effects of 1 Hz Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Upper Limb Robotic Therapy on Upper Limb Function and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients

This study demonstrated that upper limb robotic therapy (ULRT) combined with 1 Hz low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) improved upper limb (UL) function and activities of daily living (ADLs) in stroke patients. 16 stroke patients were treated with 1 Hz LF-rTMS on non-affected cerebral hemisphere, 8 in ULRT group, and 8 in the UL combined with traditional occupational therapy (ULTOT) group. Assessment include fugl-meyer assessment (FMA), modified ashworth scale (MAS), and modified barthel index (MBI). As a result, ULRT group showed significant differences in FMA, MAS, and MBI (p<0.05), and ULTOT group showed significant differences in FMA and MBI in two groups (p<0.05). There were significant differences in FMA, MAS, and MBI between two groups (p<0.05) (p<0.001). Through this, ULTOT group and ULRT group with 1 Hz LF-rTMS helped UL function and ADLs. In particular, ULRT with 1 Hz LF-rTMS helped improve UL function and ADLs.