Low-frequency rTMS plus intensive occupational therapy improves motor function and reduces spasticity of paretic upper limb in post-stroke patients: a pilot study

Fifteen post-stroke patients with mild-moderate upper limb hemiparesis received 22 sessions of 20-minute repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied to the contralesional cerebral hemisphere followed by intensive occupational therapy during 15-day hospitalization. The motor function and spasticity in the affected upper limb were evaluated at admission and discharge. As a result, the 15-day protocol was well tolerated by all patients without any complications. At discharge, all patients showed some improvement of motor function. The attenuation of spasticity was also found in 12 patients. We conclude that the 15-day protocol of combination treatment seems feasible not only for improving motor function but also for reducing spasticity in the affected upper limb in post-stroke hemiparetic patients.