Effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation on lower extremity motor function and balance function in stroke patients: a meta-analysis
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.06.002
- VernacularTitle:间歇性θ脉冲刺激改善脑卒中患者下肢运动和平衡功能的Meta分析
- Author:
Xinyuan LI
1
;
Jiejiao ZHENG
1
;
Tingyu ZHANG
2
;
Xuejiao WU
3
;
Xiaoxiao LIANG
4
Author Information
1. Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
2. Rehabilitation Medicine Center/Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
3. The First Rehabilitation Hospital in Shanghai, Shanghai 200082, China
4. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
stroke;
intermittent theta burst stimulation;
lower extremity;
motor function;
balance;
rehabilitation;
meta-analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2026;32(6):631-644
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on lower extremity motor function and balance function in patients with stroke. MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang data and VIP from inception to February 19, 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing iTBS with conventional rehabilitation or sham iTBS in patients with post-stroke lower extremity motor and balance dysfunction were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14.0. ResultsA total of 16 articles involving 647 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that iTBS improved the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities score (MD = 2.58, 95%CI 1.61 to 3.55, P < 0.001), Berg Balance Scale score (MD = 4.11, 95%CI 2.43 to 5.79, P < 0.001), Barthel Index score (MD = 4.95, 95%CI 0.97 to 8.92, P = 0.010) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) latency (MD = -1.42, 95%CI -2.54 to -0.30, P = 0.010). Subgroup analyses suggested that at subacute stage, cerebellar iTBS, more than ten treatment sessions, and 1 200 pulses per day may be more effective. ConclusioniTBS may improve lower extremity motor function and activities of daily living in patients with stroke, and shorten MEP latency, and it may also confer potential benefits in improving balance function in these patients.
