Effects of combining rTMs and augmented reality gait adaptive training on walking function of patients with stroke based on three-dimensional gait analysis and sEMG: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Augmented reality gait adaptive training (ARGAT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have both demonstrated efficacy in improving lower limb motor function in survivors of stroke. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of combining rTMS and ARGAT on motor function in survivors of stroke. METHODS: The experimental group received a combination of rTMS and ARGAT, while the control group received ARGAT alone. The interventions comprised a total of 20 sessions, conducted over four weeks with five consecutive daily sessions. Outcome measures included three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA), surface electromyography (sEMG), Fugl-Meyer assessment for the lower extremity (FMA-LE), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). RESULTS: = .093). CONCLUSION: The combination of low-frequency rTMS and ARGAT demonstrated superior effects on motor function recovery compared to ARGAT alone in survivors of stroke.