title: Preliminary evidence of the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on swallowing functions in post-stroke individuals with chronic dysphagia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is growing evidence of potential benefits of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the rehabilitation of dysphagia. However, the site and frequency of stimulation for optimal effects are not clear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the short-term effects of high-frequency 5 Hz rTMS applied to the tongue region of the motor cortex on swallowing functions and the quality of life of post-stroke individuals with dysphagia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two male and two female participants were assigned randomly to active and sham groups. The participants in the active group received 10 sessions of active rTMS for 2 weeks, whereas the sham participants received 10 sessions of sham rTMS for 2 weeks. Each participant received a total of 3000 pulses of 5 Hz active or sham rTMS per day for 10 days. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, 1 week and 1 month post-rTMS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants who received active rTMS had improved swallowing functions and swallowing-related quality of life at 1 week and 1 month post-stimulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that excitatory rTMS applied over the tongue motor cortex is a feasible approach in individuals with chronic post-stroke dysphagia. Further investigation with larger sample population is warranted to support the benefit of this stimulation protocol.
authors.affiliation: Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Ivy K Y
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Karen M K
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Raymond T F
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Cheung
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
keywords: magnetic stimulation; post-stroke dysphagia; repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation