Neuroplasticity in post-stroke rehabilitation: Role of transcranial magnetic stimulation (tms) in motor recovery

29^th International Conference on Neurology & Neurophysiology

March 17, 2025 Webinar

Lukas Steiner

Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Neurol Disord

Abstract :

Background : Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability globally, with many survivors experiencing persistent motor deficits. Recent research highlights the role of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself—in functional recovery post-stroke. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising noninvasive neuromodulation tool to enhance neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex. Objective : This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive TMS (rTMS) in promoting motor recovery among subacute ischemic stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation. Methodology : A total of 40 patients diagnosed with subacute ischemic stroke were randomized into two groups: one receiving rTMS combined with standard physiotherapy, and the other receiving sham stimulation with physiotherapy. High-frequency rTMS (10 Hz) was applied to the ipsilesional motor cortex for 10 consecutive sessions. Functional motor improvement was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Motor Activity Log (MAL) at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Results : Patients who received rTMS showed significantly greater improvements in FMA and MAL scores compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Improvements were sustained at the 3-month follow-up, suggesting lasting neuroplastic effects. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion : rTMS is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy to enhance motor recovery in subacute stroke patients. By promoting cortical reorganization, TMS could play a vital role in neurorehabilitation protocols, warranting its integration into clinical practice for stroke recovery.

Biography :

Lukas Steiner is a clinical neurologist and researcher based at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. He earned his MD and later specialized in neurorehabilitation and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. Dr. Steiner’s research focuses on post-stroke neuroplasticity and innovative rehabilitation strategies, including TMS and neurofeedback. He has co-authored over 25 publications in international neurology journals and is involved in several EU-funded projects on neurotechnology in rehabilitation. Passionate about translational medicine, Dr. Steiner works closely with interdisciplinary teams to bring neuroscience research from bench to bedside.