Synergistic efficacy of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on central intermittent theta burst stimulation for upper limb function in patients with stroke: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Non-invasive techniques such as central intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) have shown promise in improving motor function for patients with stroke. However, the combined efficacy of rPMS and central iTBS has not been extensively studied. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of rPMS and central iTBS in patients with stroke. In this study, 28 stroke patients were randomly allocated to receive either 1200 pulses of real or sham rPMS on the radial nerve of the affected limb, followed by 1200 pulses of central iTBS on the ipsilesional hemisphere. The patients received the intervention for 10 sessions over two weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Secondary outcomes for activities and participation included the Functional Independence Measure-Selfcare (FIM-Selfcare) and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvement in FMA-UE and FIM-Selfcare after the intervention (p < 0.05). Only the rPMS + iTBS group had significant improvement in ARAT-Grasp and SIS-Strength and activity of daily living (p < 0.05). However, the change scores in all outcome measures did not differ between two groups. Overall, the study's findings suggest that rPMS may have a synergistic effect on central iTBS to improve grasp function and participation. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential of rPMS as an adjuvant therapy for central iTBS in stroke rehabilitation. Further large-scale studies are needed to fully explore the synergistic effects of rPMS on central iTBS. This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID No.NCT04265365, retrospectively registered, on February 11, 2020.

Chang CS ，Chen CL ，Chen RS ，Chen HC ，Chen CY ，Chung CY ，Wu KP ，Wu CY ，Lin KC ... -  《Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation》

Augmented efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation on the virtual reality-based cycling training for upper limb function in patients with stroke: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Chen YH ，Chen CL ，Huang YZ ，Chen HC ，Chen CY ，Wu CY ，Lin KC ... -  《Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation》

Effects of Priming Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation With High-Definition tDCS on Upper Limb Function in Hemiparetic Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Bian L ，Zhang L ，Huang G ，Song D ，Zheng K ，Xu X ，Dai W ，Ren C ，Shen Y ... -  《-》

Intermittent theta burst stimulation enhances upper limb motor function in patients with chronic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Chen YJ ，Huang YZ ，Chen CY ，Chen CL ，Chen HC ，Wu CY ，Lin KC ，Chang TL ... -  《BMC Neurology》

Efficacy of coupling intermittent theta-burst stimulation and 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to enhance upper limb motor recovery in subacute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Meng Y ，Zhang D ，Hai H ，Zhao YY ，Ma YW ... -  《-》