The authors investigated the use of slow-frequency repetitive transcranial ma gnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the unaffected hemisphere to decrease interhemisphe ric inhibition of the lesioned hemisphere and improve motor function in patients within 12 months of a stroke. Patients showed a significant decrease in simple and choice reaction time and improved performance of the Purdue Pegboard test wi th their affected hand after rTMS of the motor cortex in the intact hemisphere a s compared with sham rTMS.