[Abstract] Cerebellar Theta-Burst Stimulation Combined With Physiotherapy in Subacute and Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has been suggested to improve poststroke rehabilitation. The cerebellum is considered crucial for motor control. However, the effects of cerebellar iTBS with routine physical therapy on balance and motor recovery in subacute and chronic stroke patients have not been explored.

Objective

To measure the short-term effects of cerebellar iTBS with physiotherapy on the balance and functional outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis.

Methods

Thirty hemiparetic patients were recruited for this randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial, and randomized into either the treatment or sham group. Both groups participated in physiotherapy 5 times per week for 2 weeks, and cerebellar iTBS or sham iTBS was performed daily, immediately before physiotherapy. The primary outcome was the Berg balance scale (BBS) score. Secondary outcomes included the trunk impairment scale (TIS) score, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score for lower extremities (FMA-LE), Barthel index (BI), and corticospinal excitability, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. The outcomes were measured before and 1 week and 2 weeks after the intervention.

Results

Compared with those at baseline, significant increases were identified in all clinical scores (BBS, TIS, FMA-LE, and BI) in both groups after the 2-week intervention. The BBS and TIS scores improved more in the iTBS group than in the sham group.

Conclusions

Cerebellar iTBS with physiotherapy promotes balance and motor recovery in poststroke patients. Therefore, this method can be used in low-cost, fast, and efficient protocols for stroke rehabilitation (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900026450).

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[Abstract] Simultaneous stimulation in bilateral leg motor areas with intermittent theta burst stimulation to improve functional performance after stroke: a feasibility pilot study

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BACKGROUND: Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was widely used in stroke rehabilitation and was more efficient than repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in terms of inducing larger motor evoked potential and producing longer effects. To our knowledge, the outcomes are not available combining rehabilitation and iTBS for improving motor function of lower extremities in patients with stroke.
AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation aiming to stimulate bilateral leg motor cortex and promote functional improvements.
DESIGN: A single blind, randomized controlled pilot study.
SETTING: Rehabilitation ward.
POPULATION: Twenty patients with chronic stroke finally enrolled for analyzed.
METHODS: Participants were randomized into two groups to receive 10 sessions of iTBS group and sham group over a 5-week period. The iTBS was delivered over the midline of skull to stimulate bilateral leg motor cortex. The outcome measures included balance, mobility, and leg motor functions were measured before and after interventions.
RESULTS: Within-group differences were significant in the Berg Balance Scale for both groups (Z=-2.442, P=0.015 in iTBS group; Z=-2.094, P=0.036 in sham group), in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (Z=-2.264, P=0.024) and Overall Stability Index of Biodex Balance System of iTBS group (Z=-2.124, P=0.034). However, no significant between-group differences were found.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no powerful evidence to support the effectiveness of iTBS group better than sham control group. Some essential technical issues should be considered for future studies applying iTBS to stimulate bilateral leg motor cortex.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: iTBS combined with stroke rehabilitation are probably expected to be useful for promote brain plasticity and functional performance but some technical issues should be carefully considered.

via Simultaneous stimulation in bilateral leg motor areas with intermittent theta burst stimulation to improve functional performance after stroke: a feasibility pilot study – European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2018 Aug 27 – Minerva Medica – Journals

[Abstract] Primed Physical Therapy Enhances Recovery of Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Abstract

Background. Recovery of upper limb function is important for regaining independence after stroke.

Objective. To test the effects of priming upper limb physical therapy with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a form of noninvasive brain stimulation.

Methods. Eighteen adults with first-ever chronic monohemispheric subcortical stroke participated in this randomized, controlled, triple-blinded trial. Intervention consisted of priming with real or sham iTBS to the ipsilesional primary motor cortex immediately before 45 minutes of upper limb physical therapy, daily for 10 days. Changes in upper limb function (Action Research Arm Test [ARAT]), upper limb impairment (Fugl-Meyer Scale), and corticomotor excitability, were assessed before, during, and immediately, 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. Functional magnetic resonance images were acquired before and at one month after the intervention.

Results. Improvements in ARAT were observed after the intervention period when therapy was primed with real iTBS, but not sham, and were maintained at 1 month. These improvements were not apparent halfway through the intervention, indicating a dose effect. Improvements in ARAT at 1 month were related to balancing of corticomotor excitability and an increase in ipsilesional premotor cortex activation during paretic hand grip.

Conclusions. Two weeks of iTBS-primed therapy improves upper limb function at the chronic stage of stroke, for at least 1 month post intervention, whereas therapy alone may not be sufficient to alter function. This indicates a potential role for iTBS as an adjuvant to therapy delivered at the chronic stage.

Source: Primed Physical Therapy Enhances Recovery of Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke Patients

[ARTICLE] The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Neuroplasticity within the Motor Cortex following Stroke. Full-Text HTML

Abstract

Background

Aerobic exercise is associated with enhanced plasticity in the motor cortex of healthy individuals, but the effect of aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity following a stroke is unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare corticomotoneuronal excitability and neuroplasticity in the upper limb cortical representation following a single session of low intensity lower limb cycling, or a rest control condition.

Methods

We recruited chronic stroke survivors to take part in three experimental conditions in a randomised, cross-over design. Corticomotoneuronal excitability was examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation to elicit motor evoked potentials in the affected first dorsal interosseus muscle. Following baseline measures, participants either cycled on a stationary bike at a low exercise intensity for 30 minutes, or remained resting in a seated position for 30 minutes. Neuroplasticity within the motor cortex was then examined using an intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) paradigm. During the third experimental condition, participants cycled for the 30 minutes but did not receive any iTBS.

Results

Twelve participants completed the study. We found no significant effect of aerobic exercise on corticomotoneuronal excitability when compared to the no exercise condition (P > 0.05 for all group and time comparisons). The use of iTBS did not induce a neuroplastic-like response in the motor cortex with or without the addition of aerobic exercise.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that following a stroke, the brain may be less responsive to non-invasive brain stimulation paradigms that aim to induce short-term reorganisation, and aerobic exercise was unable to induce or improve this response.

Continue —> PLOS ONE: The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Neuroplasticity within the Motor Cortex following Stroke

Fig 2. MEP amplitudes. The MEP amplitude for all three conditions are shown, normalised to Mmax for each individual and square root transformed. There was no significant main effect for time or condition, and no time*condition interaction (P > 0.05 for all). http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0152377.g002