Abstract General Information

Title

Working memory of people with multiple sclerosis undergoing transcranial magnetic stimulation

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causes various cognitive symptoms. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a resource used for rehabilitation. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of TMS on the working memory of people with MS. Methods: A double-blind crossover study was carried out with 29 people diagnosed with MS (18 relapsing-remitting, 6 primary progressive and 5 secondary progressive), aged between 29 and 68 years (Mean=47.2, SD=10 .9 years), 9 men (31%) and 20 women (69%), with EDSS from 0 to 6.5 (Mean=4.3 and SD=1.85) and diagnosis time between 1 and 24 years (Mean=9.5 and SD=6.57 years). The active group received 10 TMS interventions (primary motor cortex (Cz): 10Hz, 50 pulses per time, 30 trains, 20 seconds apart, totaling 1500 pulses at 90% of the resting motor threshold and pre -left dorsolateral front (F3): 10Hz, 50 pulses per train, 40 trains, 20 second interval, totaling 2000 pulses at 110% of resting threshold) for 10 consecutive working days. The sham group received the inactive TMS and participated in the physical activities. After 30 days, there was an inversion of the active and sham groups for a new sequence of 10 days. For evaluation, an interview was conducted for data collection and the subtest Digits of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) was applied at the beginning and end of the stimulations. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: 55.2% of people who received active TMS improved, against only 27.6% of people who received sham TMS. This difference was significant with p = 0.033. Conclusion: TMS appears to be an important resource for treating the working memory of people with MS. This result may encourage further research.

Area

Multidisciplinary care