TMS-Derived Neurophysiological Measures of Corticospinal Excitability, Intracortical Excitability, and Interhemispheric Interactions Associated With Post-Stroke Motor Recovery: A Systematic Review.
Eur J NeurosciOct 1, 2026
Gabrielly Santos Pereira, Marcelo Lourenço da Silva, Abrahão Fontes Baptista et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the relationship between TMS-derived neurophysiological measures and motor recovery in adults post-stroke, synthesizing data from 16 randomized controlled trials. Key findings indicate that changes in corticospinal excitability correlate with improvements in motor function, although the evidence remains insufficient to establish MEP status as a predictor of recovery outcomes.
Key findings
- Changes in corticospinal excitability were linked to improvements in upper-limb function and daily activities.
- One trial indicated greater motor gains in participants with preserved baseline MEPs.
- Most studies exhibited some risk-of-bias concerns, with one study showing high overall risk.
- Certainty of evidence was moderate for clinical motor recovery and low for MEP-based measures.
Why it matters
Understanding the neurophysiological measures associated with motor recovery can help clinicians better assess and potentially tailor rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients, although current evidence is limited.