The effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation for upper limb motor recovery after stroke: an exploratory randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stroke often results in significant motor impairments, particularly in the upper limbs, which can severely impact functional independence and quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation methods provide limited recovery, necessitating the exploration of adjunctive therapies to enhance motor function. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a brain stimulation technique that has shown promise in improving motor function after stroke. This study was conducted to investigate whether iTBS targeting ipsilesional primary motor cortex can induce improvements of the paretic upper limb and physiological changes in cortical excitability in subacute stroke patients.

Methods

50 patients were randomized assigned to either iTBS or sham stimulation across 10 sessions. Mot

SUBMITTER: Chen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12464961 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature