Cerebellar iTBS enhances gait adaptation by modulating cortical sensorimotor network dynamics: a randomized controlled trial.
NeuroimageJul 30, 2026 (epub)
Xiaoqi Zhao, Yu Shi, Juan Du et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on gait adaptation in 32 healthy adults. Results indicated that active iTBS significantly improved gait adaptation, with a faster adaptation rate (p = 0.035) and enhanced Early Adaptation SLS (p = 0.011) compared to sham stimulation, without affecting initial responses or post-adaptation outcomes.
Key findings
- Cerebellar iTBS led to a faster adaptation rate (p = 0.035) compared to sham.
- Early Adaptation SLS was significantly enhanced with iTBS (p = 0.011).
- TMS-evoked α power in M1 increased with iTBS (p = 0.031) and correlated with faster adaptation (r = 0.526, p = 0.002).
- iTBS strengthened PPC-to-M1 connectivity in the β (p = 0.025) and γ (p = 0.013) bands.
Why it matters
Understanding how cerebellar neuromodulation influences gait adaptation can inform rehabilitation strategies for individuals with gait impairments. Enhanced gait adaptation may lead to improved locomotor stability in clinical populations.