Living with the muscle stiffness, known as spasticity, that often follows a stroke can make daily movements difficult. New research looks at how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) helps patients manage this condition. This treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain and may help relax stiff muscles.
A review of 18 clinical trials found that rTMS successfully reduced spasticity and improved motor function, especially in those with upper limb issues. The study also noted that targeting the unaffected side of the brain was more effective than other methods. Additionally, using a mix of high and low frequency pulses showed promising results for patients.
While the treatment shows clear benefits for muscle movement, the evidence is not yet strong enough to say if it helps with daily activities like dressing or eating. Because the data on daily tasks is limited, doctors can use these findings to better tailor the timing and location of magnetic pulses to help patients move more freely.
