Objective To explore the effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) combined with 1-Hz repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) on upper limb motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Methods From May to October 2020, 90 patients with stroke were selected from Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, and were randomly divided into the control group (n=30), modified group (n=30), and combination group (n=30). The control group received conventional rehabilitation training (CRT) only, the modified group received CRT+mCIMT, and the combination group received CRT+mCIMT+rTMS. Before and 4 weeks after treatment, the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) was used to evaluate the motor function; meanwhile, the central motor conduction time (CMCT) was measured.

Results After treatment, the FMA-UE score in the control group, the improved group, and the combined group increased from 25.97±5.83, 25.47±6.96, and 26.10±5.29 to 32.77±7.68, 38.07±8.16, and 42.17±7.89 (P < 0.001); CMCT was shortened from (11.78±0.44) ms, (11.62±0.45) ms, and (11.78±0.40) ms to (10.91±0.44) ms, (10.58±0.60) ms, and (10.19±0.67) ms (P < 0.001); the indicators of the combination group had the most significant improvements (P < 0.05).

Conclusions Modified constraint-induced movement therapy combined with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve the excitability of the cerebral cortex, may promote the reconstruction of interhemispheric balance, promote the functional repair of the corticospinal tract, then improve the motor function of hemiplegic upper limb.