Efficacy of combined repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and occupational therapy in spinal cord injury patients: a randomized controlled clinical study

Randomized controlled trial, clinical trial.

Impact evaluation of combined occupational therapy (OT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper limb function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea.

This randomized controlled trial included patients with cervical SCI. One treatment group received OT and rTMS, while the other received OT and sham-rTMS, three times per week for 5 weeks. The primary study outcome (change in upper limb function) was assessed using the graded and redefined assessment of strength, sensibility, and prehension (GRASSP) and hydraulic hand dynamometer. Secondary outcomes included results from the Korean versions of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (KSCIM-III), visual analog scale (VAS), modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and Beck Depression Inventory-II.