RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of low frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the lower extremity spasticity and motor neuron excitability in patients after stroke. METHODS: Seven patients after stroke aged 42-78 years were included in this pretest-posttest clinical trial. The rTMS at 1 Hz and duration of 20 min was applied to the intact leg motor cortex for five consecutive sessions. Primary outcome measures were the Modified Modified Ashwoth Scale (MMAS) and the H(max)/M(max) ratio. Measurements were taken at baseline (T0), after the last treatment (5th) session (T1), and at 1 week follow up (T2). RESULTS: Clinically assessed ankle plantar flexor spasticity (p = 0.05) improved significantly after treatment at T1. Knee extensor spasticity scored 0 after treatment at T1 and T2. The H(max)/M(max) ratio showed no statistically significant improvement after treatment. CONCLUSION: The pilot data indicate that the inhibitory rTMS of the intact leg motor cortex in patients after stroke may improve the lower extremity spasticity.