The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on depression, visual perception, and activities of daily living in stroke patients

[Purpose] The present study aimed to investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on visual perception, depression, and activities of daily livings (ADLs) in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-four stroke patients were divided equally into an experimental group that underwent rTMS and a control group that underwent mock rTMS. Changes in patient visual perception, depression, and ADLs were evaluated. All subjects underwent treatment for 20 minutes, 5 times per week, for 4 weeks. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Motor-free Visual Perception Test (MVPT) and Functional Independent Measurement (FIM) were respectively used to assess depression, visual perception and ADLs. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvements in depression, visual perception, and ADLs between week 1 and 4, between week 1 and 8, and between week 4 and 8. Meanwhile, the control group showed no differences between week 1 and 4, and although, like in the experimental group, a significant difference was observed in depression and visual perception between Week 1 and 8, there was no significant difference in ADLs. [Conclusion] These demonstrate that rTMS has a positive impact on visual perception, depression, and ADLs.