Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognition and mood in stroke patients: a double-blind, sham-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) affected cognition or mood in poststroke patients.


METHODS
The study was a single-center, prospective, double-blind, sham-controlled preliminary study. Eighteen patients (10 males and 8 females; average age, 62.9 yrs) were enrolled. All participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: low-frequency (1 Hz) stimulation, high-frequency (10 Hz) stimulation, and sham stimulation (control). Each patient underwent 10 consecutive treatment sessions (five times per week for 2 wks). A Computerized Neuropsychological Test was used to evaluate cognitive function, the Tower of London test was used to assess executive function, the Modified Barthel Index score was used to assess activity of daily living function, and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess mood status. These evaluations were conducted in all patients before and after treatment.


RESULTS
Treatment had no significant effect on any cognitive function parameter, including the Tower of London scores, in any of the three groups. In contrast, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation resulted in significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory scores compared with baseline and compared with the other two groups. The Modified Barthel Index scores significantly increased in all three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary data suggest that there was a positive effect on mood, but the study was not powered to detect any measurable effect on cognition.
Kim
Bo Ryun
BR
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Dae-Yul
DY
Chun
Min Ho
MH
Yi
Jin Hwa
JH
Kwon
Jae Sung
JS
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055909:Magnetic Field Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome