:: Volume 19, Issue 2 (Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences 2014) ::
SJKU 2014, 19(2): 103-113 Back to browse issues page
Effect of low frequency rTMS on stiffness of joints of the upper limbs in hemiplegic patients
Poopak Motamedvaziri1 , Farid Bahrpeyma2 , Seyed Mohammad FiroozAbadi2 , Boshra Hatef3
1- Tarbiat Modares University , pmoatamedv@gmail.com
2- Tarbiat Modares University
3- Baghiatalah University
Abstract:   (9726 Views)
Background and Aim: Disabilities of the upper limbs due to stroke can lead to more prolonged functional problems in comparison to lower limb disabilities, and fewer numbers of investigations have been performed on this problem. Use of magnetic stimulation to produce induction currents in the brain for therapeutic purposes is a new method. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of rTMS plus routine rehabilitation on hand stiffness, and compare them with pure routine rehabilitation program in hemiplegic patients. Method and material: 12 hemiplegic patients were assigned randomly to two groups. Control group, received rehabilitation program with placebo magnetic stimulation, and experimental group, received magnetic stimulation with routine rehabilitation program, 3 times/week for 10 sessions. Using Wrist Robo Hab,we assessed joint stiffness during flexion-extension of the wrist, and supination-pronation of forearm before and after treatment. Results: In the control group we did not find any significant decrease in the resistance of flexor (p=0.207) and pronator (p=0.291) muscles. But in the experimental group the resistance of flexor (p=0.009) and pronator (p=0.035) muscles decreased significantly. Conclusions: rTMS can decrease stiffness of the upper limb joints and can be used in chronic hemiplegic patients, when conventional treatments are not effective. Keywords: Stroke, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Rehabilitation,Stiffness,Wrist Robo Hab. Received: Jul 22, 2013 Accepted: Jan 6, 2014
Keywords: Stroke, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Rehabilitation, Stiffness, Wrist Robo Hab
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Type of Study: Original Research | Subject: General
Received: 2014/06/9 | Accepted: 2014/06/9 | Published: 2014/06/9



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Volume 19, Issue 2 (Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences 2014) Back to browse issues page