Combining theta burst stimulation with training after subcortical stroke.
OBJECTIVE
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) may improve outcomes after stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of M1 theta burst stimulation (TBS) and standardized motor training on upper-limb function of patients with chronic stroke.


METHODS
Ten patients with chronic subcortical stroke and upper-limb impairment were recruited to this double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled study. Intermittent TBS of the ipsilesional M1, continuous TBS of the contralesional M1, and sham TBS were delivered in separate sessions in conjunction with standardized training of a precision grip task using the paretic upper limb.


RESULTS
Training after real TBS improved paretic-hand grip-lift kinetics, whereas training after sham TBS resulted in deterioration of grip-lift. Ipsilesional M1 excitability increased after intermittent TBS of the ipsilesional M1 but decreased after continuous TBS of the contralesional M1. Action Research Arm Test scores deteriorated when training followed continuous TBS of the contralesional M1, and this was correlated with reduced ipsilesional corticomotor excitability.


CONCLUSIONS
Generally, TBS and training led to task-specific improvements in grip-lift. Specifically, continuous TBS of the contralesional M1 led to an overall decrement in upper-limb function, indicating that the contralesional hemisphere may play a pivotal role in recovery after stroke.
Ackerley
Suzanne J
SJ
Stinear
Cathy M
CM
Barber
P Alan
PA
Byblow
Winston D
WD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013826:Theta Rhythm / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology