Navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Evangelos Beris, Parmenion P Tsitsopoulos, Aristeidis H Katsanos et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in subacute and chronic stroke patients compared to sham stimulation. Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 606 patients were analyzed, revealing a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.4 (95% CI: 0.11-0.69) favoring rTMS, indicating modest improvements in motor and disability outcomes.
Key findings
- Pooled SMD of 0.4 (95% CI: 0.11-0.69) favored navigated rTMS over sham stimulation.
- Continuous theta-burst stimulation showed the largest pooled effect among rTMS modalities.
- Significant improvements in disability-related outcomes with an SMD of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.14-1.08).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that navigated rTMS may enhance recovery in stroke patients, potentially offering a new therapeutic avenue for improving motor function and reducing disability. Understanding its efficacy can inform treatment strategies in rehabilitation settings.