The Effects of a Low-Frequency rTMS Post-Hand Therapy Program on Upper Limb Function and Antispasticity in Patients with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia

Purpose: To investigate the effects of a hand therapy program after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper limb function and spasticity in stroke cases. Methods: This study divided patients (>6 months) into two groups. (experimental group: hand therapy program group after rTMS, control group: general hand therapy group, [n=15 per group]). The program was conducted thrice a week for one week, and upper limb function (Manual Function Test, [MFT]) and muscle tone (Myotone muscle tester) were evaluated before and after the experiment. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in upper limb function and decreased muscle tone. In a between-group test after the intervention, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in upper limb function and decreased muscle tone compared with the control group. Conclusion: rTMS and hand therapy programs are potential therapeutic approaches for brain injury cases and impaired motor function, improving neurophysiological and kinesthetic functions. In the future, we plan to conduct a follow-up study using a hand therapy program and rTMS for stroke patients to prove its effectiveness.