The Potential Synergism by Combining External Counterpulsation with Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation in Post-stroke Motor Function Recovery

• Published in: Medical hypotheses Vol. 93; pp. 140 - 142
• Main Authors: He, Weijia, Au-Yeung, Suk-yin Stephanie, Mak, Margaret, Leung, Thomas Wai Hong, Leung, Howan, Wong, Lawrence Ka Sing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Blood Flow Velocity; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Counterpulsation - methods; External counterpulsation; Functional Laterality - physiology; Hand function recovery; Hemodynamics; Humans; Intermittent theta burst stimulation; Internal Medicine; Ischemia - pathology; Ischemic stroke; Motor Cortex - physiology; Motor Skills; Neurons - metabolism; Recovery of Function - physiology; Stroke - physiopathology; Stroke Rehabilitation - methods; Theta Rhythm - physiology; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; External counterpulsation; Ischemic stroke; Hand Function recovery; Intermittent theta burst stimulation; Hand function recovery
• ISSN: 0306-9877; 1532-2777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.05.024

Abstract Upper limb weakness and incoordination is a common disability following ischemic stroke. Previous studies have showed that the single application of external counterpulsation (ECP) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can effectively enhance the cortical motor excitability and facilitate recovery. However, it remains uncertain if sequential application of these therapies would further augment the recovery. We hypothesize a synergistic effect of ECP followed by iTBS to upper limb function may happen through improvements in both cerebral perfusion and neuron excitability.