[P2-55] Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Motor Outcomes in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Study
[Introduction]: Recently, the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is used as an advanced brain-based intervention for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, few studies investigated the efficacy of rTMS in children with neurological disorders. This study is to examine the efficacy of rTMS on motor outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
[Methodology]: Thirteen children with spastic CP, aged 9-15 years, were randomized assigned into 2 groups: rTMS and sham groups. All children received rTMS or sham rTMS for 2 weeks (5 sessions /week). The rTMS protocol involves intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on the more affected hemisphere. Motor outcomes, including Modified Ashworth scale of lower limbs, Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure (SAROMM), Pediatric Berg Balance scale (PBS), and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), were assessed at before and after rTMS. The change score is calculated as (post-treatment score – pre-treatment score). An independent t-test was used to compare the pre-treatment and change scores. A p<0.05 is considered as significant differences.
[Results]: After intervention, the rTMS group showed greater improvement in the PBS and GMFM-66 than sham groups (p <0.05). However, the change scores in the MAS and SAROMM did not achieve the significant differences between 2 groups.
[Conclusions]: These findings suggest the rTMS may enhance the motor outcomes in children with CP. The rTMS may emerge as an adjuvant intervention in neurorehabilitation. However, we could not draw the definite the conclusion due to limited case numbers. Future studies may increase the sample size and longitudinal follow-up.
[Methodology]: Thirteen children with spastic CP, aged 9-15 years, were randomized assigned into 2 groups: rTMS and sham groups. All children received rTMS or sham rTMS for 2 weeks (5 sessions /week). The rTMS protocol involves intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on the more affected hemisphere. Motor outcomes, including Modified Ashworth scale of lower limbs, Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure (SAROMM), Pediatric Berg Balance scale (PBS), and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), were assessed at before and after rTMS. The change score is calculated as (post-treatment score – pre-treatment score). An independent t-test was used to compare the pre-treatment and change scores. A p<0.05 is considered as significant differences.
[Results]: After intervention, the rTMS group showed greater improvement in the PBS and GMFM-66 than sham groups (p <0.05). However, the change scores in the MAS and SAROMM did not achieve the significant differences between 2 groups.
[Conclusions]: These findings suggest the rTMS may enhance the motor outcomes in children with CP. The rTMS may emerge as an adjuvant intervention in neurorehabilitation. However, we could not draw the definite the conclusion due to limited case numbers. Future studies may increase the sample size and longitudinal follow-up.