Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves the treatment outcomes of patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS) in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that RTMS improves walking ability in these patients.

PD affects brain cells, which are responsible for controlling body functions. This causes symptoms such as gait (walking) disorders. Gait disorders consist of slow speed, short steps, and reduced walking ability. These disorders increase the risk of falls and hospitalization.

Levodopa is the standard treatment for patients with PD. However, this is associated with high rates of long-term side effects. New therapies with long-term positive effects are necessary.

Prior studies suggested that gait training with a treadmill improves walking ability in patients with PD. RTMS was also shown to improve walking speed in these patients. RTMS consists of delivering magnetic pulses to a brain region and activating them. The combination of these two methods of treatment greatly improved walking speed. However, the long-term effectiveness of these two methods combined is still not known.

This study included 51 participants with PD. These patients received 12 sessions of RTMS (25 or 1Hz) and placebo (treatment with no effect on the body) followed by treadmill training. The participants were followed-up at 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment.

The groups who received RTMS (either 1 or 25Hz) improved their walking speed at 1-day and 3-month follow-up more than the placebo group. Only the RTMS groups had improvements in walking and movement symptoms. Improvements in behavior were also seen for both groups receiving RTMS.

This study concluded that RTMS combined with treadmill training improves gait disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study had a small number of participants and a short follow-up period. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.