Abstract: Objective To assess the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor and ambulatory function in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Methods 18 incomplete SCI patients (AIS D) were randomized to treatment group (n=10) and control group (n=8). The treatment group received rTMS while the control group received sham stimulation for 2 weeks. All the patients received routine rehabilitation. They were assessed with Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS), 10 m Walking Test for Walking Speed, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Walking Index for SCI Scale II(WISCI II), and Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) before and after treatment, and followed up for 2 weeks after treatment. Results The treatment group significantly improved in LEMS, walking speed, and SCIM after treatment and during follow up (P<0.05), while the control group improved only in SCIM (P<0.05). There was more significant improvement in LEMS in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05) after treantment and during follow up. There was no difference between two groups in MAS, walking speed, WISCI II and SCIM. Conclusion rTMS can further improve the motor of lowere limbs for incomplete SCI patients.

Key words: incomplete spinal cord injury, repetitive magnetic stimulation, motor, ambulation