Supplementing transcranial magnetic stimulation with intermittent resistance training improves the recovery of motor function in Parkinson′s disease / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore any effect of supplementing low-frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with intermittent resistance training on muscle tone and the recovery of motor function among persons with Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:A total of 104 PD patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 52. Both groups were treated with conventional drugs and low-frequency rTMS, while the observation group was additionally provided with intermittent resistance training for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the motor functioning of both groups was evaluated using unified Parkinson′s disease rating scale-III (UPDRS-III) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Limb muscle tension was quantified using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). The subjects′ psychological states were quantified using the exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE), and the modified Barthel index (MBI) was applied to evaluate their ability in the activities of daily living. A 3D motion processing system collected and analyzed data describing each subject′s gait kinematics.Results:After the intervention, significantly greater average improvement was observed in all of the outcome measures among the observation group compared with the control group.Conclusion:Combining intermittent resistance training with low-frequency rTMS can significantly reduce muscle tone and improve the motor functioning of PD patients. The combination is more effective than low-frequency rTMS alone.