Repetitive magnetic stimulation can reduce elbow flexor spasticity after stroke

Objective To explore the effects of repeated magnetic stimulation for improving upper limb spasticity in stroke survivors. Methods Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group with 30 in each. All of the patients in both groups received basic medication and conventional rehabilitation treatment. In addition, the patients in the treatment group were given repetitive magnetic stimulation of the biceps brachii on the hemiplegic side, while the patients in the control group were given sham stimulation. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, integrated electromyograms (IEMGs) of the biceps brachii were recorded using surface electromyography. The subjects′ upper limb motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA), and ability in the activities of daily of life was evaluated using the modified Barthel index. Results Before the intervention there was no signification difference between the two groups in terms of any of the assessments. After 4 weeks of treatment, the average IEMG of the biceps brachii had improved significantly in both groups compared to those before treatment, as had the average FMA and Barthel index scores, but the improvements in the treatment group were all significantly greater, on average, than those in the control group. Conclusion Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation can reduce spasticity of the elbow flexors after a stroke and improve upper limb motor function and ability in the activities of daily life. It is worthy of applying in clinical practice. Key words: Magnetic stimulation; Biceps brachii; Stroke; Spasticity; Surface electromyography