The Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease：A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Placebo-controlled Trial

The Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease：A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Placebo-controlled Trial

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive and widely used neuromodulation technology. Small sample studies have shown that rTMS treatment can significantly improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease(PD) and delay the progression of the disease. In order to further explore the effectiveness of rTMS in the treatment of PD and lay the foundation for its clinical promotion, our research team plans to conduct a randomized double-blind controlled study of rTMS in the treatment of PD in multiple centers across the country.

As an innovative non-invasive neuromodulation technology, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy in improving motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The supplementary motor area (SMA) has been identified as a brain region significantly associated with motor symptoms in PD patients. However, no large-sample clinical studies have yet established the clinical efficacy of rTMS, guided by neuroimaging navigation, targeting the SMA in patients with Parkinson's disease.

We describe a randomized, controlled, double-blind, placebo-treated, multicenter study designed to recruit 312 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real stimulation or sham stimulation, with the left SMA undergoing 7 days of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS). The primary outcome measure is the change in the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part III scores from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Secondary outcomes include changes in scores on other clinical symptom scales. The study is expected to be conducted across nine medical centers in China, commencing in 2024 and concluding in 2026.

This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy of cTBS targeting the left SMA in patients with Parkinson's disease. The findings may offer a new therapeutic approach for PD.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥40 years old
2. Meet Movement Disorder Society standards;
3. Have no history of drug adjustment within 4 weeks before and during treatment;
4. The MDS-UPDRS Ⅲ score ≥8, and the Hoehn-Yahr rating is 1-4
5. MMSE ≥24，able to cooperate with the completion of behavioral tests and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Head MRI/CT ruled out focal brain injury or severe leukoencephalopathy (Fazekas grade 3);
2. Various secondary parkinsonism syndromes (vascular parkinsonism, Parkinsonism combined with parkinsonism, drug parkinsonism, etc.);
3. Severe craniocerebral trauma, received craniocerebral surgery or deep brain stimulation treatment;
4. There are ferromagnetic implants in the body, such as cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, etc.
5. The person or first-degree relatives have a history of epilepsy, unexplained loss of consciousness, or are taking anticonvulsant drugs to treat epileptic seizures;
6. Diagnosed with a neuropsychiatric disorder other than PD
7. Have a history of drug abuse or drug use;
8. Participants in any clinical trial within the previous 6 month;
9. Pregnant/lactating women or subjects (including men) who have a birth plan within 6 months;
10. Other conditions deemed unsuitable for inclusion by the investigator.