Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Upper Extremity Motor Function in Stroke Patients

Launched by LITHUANIAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES · Dec 2, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on improving arm and hand movement in patients who have had a stroke. The researchers want to find out if rTMS can help people regain better control of their upper limbs and whether a specific type of stimulation, either low-frequency or high-frequency, works better than a fake (sham) treatment. Participants will undergo 10 sessions of rTMS over two weeks, and their ability to move their arms will be tested before treatment and again three to four weeks later.

To be eligible for this study, participants should have had a recent ischemic stroke affecting the middle part of the brain and experience some weakness or difficulty moving their hand. They should be within one month of the stroke and have no severe problems with thinking or understanding. However, those with certain medical devices, serious cognitive issues, or specific health conditions will not be able to join. This trial is currently looking for participants of all genders, aged 65-74, who want to explore new ways to improve their recovery after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery, confirmed by instrumental tests (CT, MRI).
• • 2. Acute hemiplegia/hemiparesis, hand motor deficit, muscle strength ≤ 4 points (as assessed by the Lovett scale).
• • 3. Time after the stroke before inclusion in the study is no more than 1 month.
• • 4. No severe deficit in cognitive functions.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with implanted ferromagnetic or other metal devices sensitive to a magnetic field in the head or neck area; cochlear implants; implanted neurostimulators, pacemakers, or drug delivery pumps.
• • 2. Complete aphasia or severe cognitive impairment.
• • 3. Taking tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics, or benzodiazepines.
• • 4. Previous skull fractures or other head injuries with loss of consciousness.
• • 5. History of epilepsy or seizures.
• • 6. Spasticity of the upper limb (Ashworth scale \>2 b.).
• • 7. Pregnancy