Vibration improves motor functions and prolongs the cortical silent period in spastic hemiparesis

Introduction: Muscle vibration is known to enhance motor cortical excitability of the vibrated muscle and may inhibit the excitability of non-vibrated antagonistic muscles. In this study, we explored the effects of vibration on spasticity in chronic stroke patients by investigating motor abilities and the cortical silent period (CSP) evoked by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Spasticity is characterized by an increased tension in flexor muscles and a dysbalance between flexors and extensors, the latter being much weaker. We hypothesized that vibration of forearm extensor muscles could reduce spasticity i…