Theta Burst Stimulation for Motor Recovery

Comparative Efficacy of Different Doses of Theta Burst Stimulation for Motor Recovery in Stroke Patients

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology. This study will compare efficacy of different doses iTBS in combination with inhibitory rTMS on motor recovery and cortical excitability in subacute stroke patients.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology.

High and low frequencies of rTMS could modulate the excitability of the cerebral cortex. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) has achieved a similar effect to traditional rTMS mode. Intermittent TBS (iTBS) could upregulate cortical excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1) and continuous TBS (cTBS) with inhibitory effect. Through modulating the excitability of bilateral hemispheres, rTMS could facilitate motor recovery in stroke patients.

This study will compare efficacy of different doses iTBS in combination with inhibitory rTMS on motor recovery and cortical excitability in subacute stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1.Unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• 2.Stroke within 3 months
• 3.Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength in upper limb ≤ 3
• 4.No previous stroke, seizure, dementia, Parkinson's disease or other degenerative neurological diseases.
• 5.Patient could sit over 15 minutes
• 6.Age over 20

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1.Previous stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor
• 2.With central nervous system disease (spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease)
• 3.Any contraindication to rTMS (seizure, alcoholism, metal implant, pacemaker)
• 4.Patients unable to cooperate the treatment
• 5.Pregnancy
• 6.Depression