Low frequency rTMS to improve dexterity in subacute stroke: a combined kinematic and fMRI study

Introduction: Within the concept of interhemispheric competition downregulation of the primary motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere (M1contralesional) may improve dexterity of the affected hand following stroke. The effects of 1Hz rTMS over M1contralesional on movement kinematics and neural activation within the motor system in the subacute phase after subcortical stroke were studied. Method: 15 right-handed subjects with impaired dexterity due to subcortical middle cerebral artery stroke received 1Hz rTMS for ten minutes applied over: (i) vertex (control stimulation) and (ii) M1contralesional. For behaviou…