Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Combined with Aerobic Exercise on the Recovery of Motor Function in Ischemic Stroke Rat Model

Brain Sciences

Yeongwook Kim¹  Cuk-Seong Kim²  MinKyun Sohn³  Sungju Jee⁴  Juanxiu Cui⁴ 

[1] Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea;;Department of Physiology &Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea;Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Korea;

关键词: transcranial magnetic stimulation;    exercise;    neuroplasticity;    function recovery;    middle cerebral artery occlusion;   

DOI  :  10.3390/brainsci10030186

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The therapeutic benefits of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with rehabilitation therapy on recovery after stroke have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of rTMS followed by aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity and recovery of motor function in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats were randomized into sham operation (N = 10, sham op), MCAO (N = 10, control group), rTMS (N = 10, MCAO and rTMS therapy), and combination groups (N = 10, MCAO and combination therapy). High-frequency rTMS (10 Hz) was applied on the ipsilesional forepaw motor cortex, and aerobic exercise training on the rotarod was performed for two weeks. The rotarod and Garcia tests were conducted to evaluate changes in behavioral function. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to evaluate electrophysiological changes. Stroke severity was assessed using infarction volume measurement. Neuronal recovery was explored with western blot for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway proteins. Compared with control therapy, combination therapy was significantly more effective than rTMS therapy for improving function on the rotarod test (p = 0.08), Garcia test (p = 0.001), and MEP amplitude (p = 0.001) In conclusion, combination therapy may be a potential treatment to promote recovery of motor function and neuroplasticity in stroke patients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown