1.The effects of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking of stroke survivors
Liang WANG ; Hongjian LU ; Dongyan ZHU ; Huiyuan JI ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Yuejiao CAO ; Qian XU ; Weiguan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(8):693-698
Objective:To explore the effect of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation (iTBS) of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking function of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors complicated with lower extremity dysfunction were divided into an iTBS group, an exoskeleton group and a combined group, each of 25, according to a random number table. In addition to conventional rehabilitation training, the iTBS group was given cerebellar iTBS combined with traditional walking training, the exoskeleton group received sham cerebellar iTBS combined with walking training assisted by a lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The combined group received both therapies. The schedule was once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the 10-metre walking test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) were used to evaluate the subjects′ walking ability, balance and lower extremity motor ability. Gait and neuro-electrophysiological tests were also conducted in all three groups.Results:After the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the 10MWT times, BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, stride frequency and stride speed of all three groups compared with before the treatment. On average, the results of the exoskeleton and combined groups were significantly better than those of the iTBS group, and those of the combined group were significantly better than among the exoskeleton group. Almost everyone′s MEP latency and amplitude had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, but the improvements in the exoskeleton group tended to be superior to those in the iTBS group ( P≤0.05). The latency in the combined group averaged (21.25±1.70)ms, and the amplitude averaged (184.17±6.54)μV, both significantly better than the exoskeleton group′s averages. Conclusions:Cerebellum iTBS combined with lower extremity exoskeleton walker training can significantly improve the motor functioning, balance and walking ability of stroke survivors.
2.Combining peripheral with transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating subacute stroke
Yuejiao CAO ; Weiguan CHEN ; Zhidong HUANG ; Dongyan ZHU ; Liang WANG ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Huiyuan JI ; Wei SHI ; Hongjian LU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(11):984-990
Objective:To explore the effect of combining repeated peripheral (rPMS) and central transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke.Methods:Seventy-eight patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke were randomly divided into a control group, an rTMS group and a combined magnetic stimulation group, each of 26. All three groups underwent routine rehabilitation, while the rTMS group was repeatedly given low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation of the M1 region on the unaffected side, and the combined group also received repeated peripheral magnetic stimulation at Erb′s point on the affected upper limb. There was one treatment session a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb motor function was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Wolf motor function test (WMFT). Skill in the activities of daily living was quantified in terms of a Barthel index (BI). Motor recovery of the upper limbs and hands was assessed using Brunnstrom staging. The latency and amplitude of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the subjects′ affected abductor pollicis brevis muscles were also recorded before and after the treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients quantified the correlation between the changes in FMA-UE scores and MEP amplitudes before and after the treatment in the three groups.Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups before the treatment. Afterward, however, the average FMA-UE, WMFT and BI scores, as well as the upper limb and hand Brunnstrom stages and the average MEP latencies and amplitudes of all the three groups had improved significantly. The combined group′s average results were then significantly better than the other two groups′ averages, except for the upper limb Brunnstrom stages. The increases in MEP amplitude were positively correlated with the increases in FMA-UE scores among the rTMS and the combined group, but there was no significant correlation between them in the control group.Conclusions:The combined application of rPMS and contralateral low frequency rTMS can effectively relieve motor dysfunction in the upper limbs in the early stages after a stroke.
3.Dynamic Monitoring and Correlation Analysis of General Body Indicators, Blood Glucose, and Blood Lipid in Obese Cynomolgus Monkeys
Yanye WEI ; Guo SHEN ; Pengfei ZHANG ; Songping SHI ; Jiahao HU ; Xuzhe ZHANG ; Huiyuan HUA ; Guanyang HUA ; Hongzheng LU ; Yong ZENG ; Feng JI ; Zhumei WEI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):30-36
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in general body parameters, blood glucose, and blood lipid profiles in obese cynomolgus monkeys, exploring the correlations among these parameters and providing a reference for research on the obese cynomolgus monkey model. Methods30 normal male cynomolgus monkeys aged 5 - 17 years old (with body mass index < 35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) and 99 spontaneously obese male cynomolgus monkeys (with body mass index ≥35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) were selected. Over a period of three years, their abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and four blood lipid indicators were monitored. The correlations between each indicator were analyzed using repeated measurement ANOVA, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression correlation analysis method. Results Compared to the control group, the obese group exhibited significantly higher levels of abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, and triglyceride (P<0.05). In the control group, skinfold thickness increased annually, while other indicators remained stable. Compared with the first year, the obese group showed significantly increased abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose in the second year(P<0.05), with this increasing trend persisting in the third year (P<0.05). In the control group, the obesity incidence rates in the second and third years were 16.67% and 23.33%, respectively, while the prevalence of diabetes remained at 16.67%. In the obese group, the diabetes incidence rates were 29.29% and 44.44% in years 2 and 3, respectively. Among the 11-13 year age group, the incidence rates were 36.36% and 44.68%, while for the group older than 13 years, the rates were 28.13% and 51.35%. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations (P<0.05) between fasting blood glucose and age, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, and triglyceride in the diabetic monkeys. Conclusion Long-term obesity can lead to the increases in general physical indicators and fasting blood glucose levels in cynomolgus monkeys, and an increase in the incidence of diabetes. In diabetic cynomolgus monkeys caused by obesity, there is a high correlation between their fasting blood glucose and age, weight, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, and triglyceride levels, which is of some significance for predicting the occurrence of spontaneous diabetes.
4.Application of biodegradable magnesium and magnesium-based materials in oral diseases
Cong ZHAO ; Huiyuan FU ; Nite SU ; Jie JI ; Lei ZHANG ; Yaxian WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7423-7430
BACKGROUND:Magnesium and magnesium-based materials have good biocompatibility,stable osteogenic properties,and biological activities such as vascularization and immune regulation,and show a broad application prospect in stomatology.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanism of magnesium-based materials in the treatment of oral diseases in terms of osteogenesis,angiogenesis,and immunomodulation,and to review the application prospects of magnesium and magnesium-based materials in the field of oral diseases in recent years.METHODS:Chinese search key words were"magnesium,magnesium alloys,magnesium-based metals,fractures,implants,restorations,endodontics,periodontitis,periodontal disease,cysts,oral cancer."English search key works were"magnesium,magnesium-based alloy,fracture,facial bone fractures,denture,dental implant,restorative dentistry,pulpitis,periodontitis,periodontal diseases,oral cancer."The articles were retrieved on CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases.By analyzing and reading literature for screening,84 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Magnesium and magnesium-based materials can be used as bone internal fixation devices for jaw fracture or orthognathic surgery.Due to the special biological properties of magnesium,it can not only ensure stable osteogenesis,but also avoid the possibility of secondary surgery,which has the potential to be widely used.In the field of bone regeneration in stomatology,magnesium,relying on its superior biological properties,shows better mechanical properties and antibacterial properties than existing clinical materials,providing more options for the development and application of materials in this field.With the help of the biological activity of magnesium,magnesium-based coating materials give full play to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,further promote implant bone bonding and soft tissue integration,and have great application prospects in implant surface modification and promoting implant stability.Although magnesium has been involved in maxillofacial intraoral soft tissue regeneration and treatment,dental tissue engineering,there are still a lot of gaps.To ensure the stable biological characteristics of magnesium,it is usually necessary to add other alloys or carry out magnesium surface modification.However,the biological evaluation system of degradable metal implants is not perfect at present.The clinical application of magnesium in oral diseases still needs to be further clarified in the future.
5.Effects of early enteral and parenteral nutrition support on the growth, development, and metabolomics of low-birth-weight newborns
Guojing JI ; Fei YANG ; Wanying GUO ; Yanfeng ZHAO ; Huiyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):723-729
Objective:To investigate the effects of early enteral and parenteral nutrition support on the growth, development, and metabolomics of low-birth-weight newborns.Methods:Ninety low-birth-weight newborns admitted to Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were included in this retrospective study. They were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 45) and an intervention group ( n = 45) according to different intervention methods. The control group received routine traditional nutritional support, while the intervention group received early enteral and parenteral nutrition support. Data were collected on the growth and development status of the newborns, as well as their feeding conditions. Gastric fluid pH value, frequency of bowel sounds, and level of direct bilirubin were recorded. Physical condition was also assessed. The Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) was used to evaluate the neurobehavioral status of the newborns. Additionally, the incidence of complications was recorded for both groups, and metabolomic changes were analyzed. Results:After intervention, the control group exhibited a time to regain birth weight of (20.67 ± 8.31) days, a time to reach a body weight of 2.0 kg of (53.57 ± 12.51) days, a lowest recorded body weight of (1.32 ± 0.21) kg, a body weight loss percentage of (12.31 ± 5.52)%, and a body weight gain of (15.02 ± 2.30) g/(kg/d). In contrast, the intervention group demonstrated a time to regain birth weight of (14.31 ± 5.62) days, a time to reach a body weight of 2.0 kg of (39.21 ± 9.32) days, a lowest recorded body weight of (1.01 ± 0.17) kg, a body weight loss percentage of (7.84 ± 4.92)%, and a body weight gain of (17.74 ± 3.94) g·kg?1·d?1. All differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 4.28, 9.96, 7.69, 4.05, 4.11, all P < 0.001). The difference in the lowest body weight day between the two groups of children was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). After intervention, the control group had an initial oral feeding duration of (8.30 ± 1.37) days, with a vomiting frequency of (10.25 ± 2.20) times, a daily milk intake of (35.38 ± 3.94) mL, a gastric fluid pH value of (3.85 ± 0.20), bowel sounds of (4.94 ± 0.97) times/minute, and a direct bilirubin level of (41.98 ± 25.76) mmol/L. In contrast, the intervention group showed an initial oral feeding duration of (4.01 ± 0.76) days, a vomiting frequency of (5.61 ± 1.24) times, a daily milk intake of (43.54 ± 4.07) mL, a gastric fluid pH value of (3.41 ± 0.12), bowel sounds of (5.86 ± 1.11) times/minute, and a direct bilirubin level of (28.98 ± 18.10) mmol/L. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 18.36, 12.32, 9.66, 12.65, 4.18, 2.77, all P < 0.05). After intervention, the control group had a body length of (40.32 ± 1.84) cm, a body weight of (1.47 ± 0.55) kg, and a head circumference of (29.21 ± 1.07) cm. The intervention group had a body length of (45.00 ± 2.16) cm, a body weight of (1.83 ± 1.03) kg, and a head circumference of (30.14 ± 1.35) cm. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 11.06, 2.06, 3.62, all P < 0.05). At 40 weeks of corrected gestational age post-intervention, the control group had a NBNA score of (30.11 ± 2.41), whereas the intervention group had an NBNA score of (34.52 ± 2.82). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t = 7.97, P < 0.05). The number of patients experiencing common complications in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group [8 (17.78%) vs. 28 (62.22%), χ2 = 18.51, P < 0.05]. The control group had glycine levels of (94.07 ± 19.78) μmol/L, valine levels of (99.53 ± 13.42) μmol/L, homocysteine levels of (10.87 ± 4.43) μmol/L, cystatin levels of (233.71 ± 35.02) μmol/L, and methionine levels of (20.54 ± 4.67) μmol/L. The intervention group had glycine levels of (79.21 ± 17.54) μmol/L,valine levels of (88.70 ± 12.96) μmol/L, homocysteine levels of (13.68 ± 7.66) μmol/L, cystatin levels of (256.54 ± 35.49) μmol/L, and methionine levels of (22.97 ± 5.49) μmol/L. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 3.77, 3.89, 2.13, 3.07, 2.26, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Early enteral and parenteral nutritional support for low-birth-weight infants can restore their growth and development status, improve feeding conditions, enhance gastrointestinal function, and improve levels of metabolomic-related indicators.
6.Application of biodegradable magnesium and magnesium-based materials in oral diseases
Cong ZHAO ; Huiyuan FU ; Nite SU ; Jie JI ; Lei ZHANG ; Yaxian WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7423-7430
BACKGROUND:Magnesium and magnesium-based materials have good biocompatibility,stable osteogenic properties,and biological activities such as vascularization and immune regulation,and show a broad application prospect in stomatology.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanism of magnesium-based materials in the treatment of oral diseases in terms of osteogenesis,angiogenesis,and immunomodulation,and to review the application prospects of magnesium and magnesium-based materials in the field of oral diseases in recent years.METHODS:Chinese search key words were"magnesium,magnesium alloys,magnesium-based metals,fractures,implants,restorations,endodontics,periodontitis,periodontal disease,cysts,oral cancer."English search key works were"magnesium,magnesium-based alloy,fracture,facial bone fractures,denture,dental implant,restorative dentistry,pulpitis,periodontitis,periodontal diseases,oral cancer."The articles were retrieved on CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases.By analyzing and reading literature for screening,84 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Magnesium and magnesium-based materials can be used as bone internal fixation devices for jaw fracture or orthognathic surgery.Due to the special biological properties of magnesium,it can not only ensure stable osteogenesis,but also avoid the possibility of secondary surgery,which has the potential to be widely used.In the field of bone regeneration in stomatology,magnesium,relying on its superior biological properties,shows better mechanical properties and antibacterial properties than existing clinical materials,providing more options for the development and application of materials in this field.With the help of the biological activity of magnesium,magnesium-based coating materials give full play to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,further promote implant bone bonding and soft tissue integration,and have great application prospects in implant surface modification and promoting implant stability.Although magnesium has been involved in maxillofacial intraoral soft tissue regeneration and treatment,dental tissue engineering,there are still a lot of gaps.To ensure the stable biological characteristics of magnesium,it is usually necessary to add other alloys or carry out magnesium surface modification.However,the biological evaluation system of degradable metal implants is not perfect at present.The clinical application of magnesium in oral diseases still needs to be further clarified in the future.
7.Combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve with constraint-induced movement therapy can improve the upper limb functioning of hemiplegic stroke survivors
Dongyan ZHU ; Huiyuan JI ; Chenfeng QIU ; Liang WANG ; Hui CAO ; Qian XU ; Yuejiao CAO ; Weiguan CHEN ; Hongjian LU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):204-208
Objective:To observe the effect of combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (taVNS) with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-one hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a taVNS group of 24, an mCIMT group of 23 and a combined group of 24. In addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy, the taVNS group received taVNS therapy, the mCIMT group received mCIMT, while the combined group received both for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Action Research arm test (ARAT). Ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). The latency and amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also measured.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI scores. MEP latency and amplitude had also improved. The averages in the mCIMT group were then significantly better than among the taVNS group.Conclusions:taVNS combined with mCIMT can significantly improve the upper limb function and ADL functioning of stroke survivors with hemiplegia. It can also promote the recovery of central nervous system function.
8.Combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve with constraint-induced movement therapy can improve the upper limb functioning of hemiplegic stroke survivors
Dongyan ZHU ; Huiyuan JI ; Chenfeng QIU ; Liang WANG ; Hui CAO ; Qian XU ; Yuejiao CAO ; Weiguan CHEN ; Hongjian LU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):204-208
Objective:To observe the effect of combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (taVNS) with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-one hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a taVNS group of 24, an mCIMT group of 23 and a combined group of 24. In addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy, the taVNS group received taVNS therapy, the mCIMT group received mCIMT, while the combined group received both for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Action Research arm test (ARAT). Ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). The latency and amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also measured.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI scores. MEP latency and amplitude had also improved. The averages in the mCIMT group were then significantly better than among the taVNS group.Conclusions:taVNS combined with mCIMT can significantly improve the upper limb function and ADL functioning of stroke survivors with hemiplegia. It can also promote the recovery of central nervous system function.
9.Effects of early enteral and parenteral nutrition support on the growth, development, and metabolomics of low-birth-weight newborns
Guojing JI ; Fei YANG ; Wanying GUO ; Yanfeng ZHAO ; Huiyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):723-729
Objective:To investigate the effects of early enteral and parenteral nutrition support on the growth, development, and metabolomics of low-birth-weight newborns.Methods:Ninety low-birth-weight newborns admitted to Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were included in this retrospective study. They were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 45) and an intervention group ( n = 45) according to different intervention methods. The control group received routine traditional nutritional support, while the intervention group received early enteral and parenteral nutrition support. Data were collected on the growth and development status of the newborns, as well as their feeding conditions. Gastric fluid pH value, frequency of bowel sounds, and level of direct bilirubin were recorded. Physical condition was also assessed. The Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) was used to evaluate the neurobehavioral status of the newborns. Additionally, the incidence of complications was recorded for both groups, and metabolomic changes were analyzed. Results:After intervention, the control group exhibited a time to regain birth weight of (20.67 ± 8.31) days, a time to reach a body weight of 2.0 kg of (53.57 ± 12.51) days, a lowest recorded body weight of (1.32 ± 0.21) kg, a body weight loss percentage of (12.31 ± 5.52)%, and a body weight gain of (15.02 ± 2.30) g/(kg/d). In contrast, the intervention group demonstrated a time to regain birth weight of (14.31 ± 5.62) days, a time to reach a body weight of 2.0 kg of (39.21 ± 9.32) days, a lowest recorded body weight of (1.01 ± 0.17) kg, a body weight loss percentage of (7.84 ± 4.92)%, and a body weight gain of (17.74 ± 3.94) g·kg?1·d?1. All differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 4.28, 9.96, 7.69, 4.05, 4.11, all P < 0.001). The difference in the lowest body weight day between the two groups of children was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). After intervention, the control group had an initial oral feeding duration of (8.30 ± 1.37) days, with a vomiting frequency of (10.25 ± 2.20) times, a daily milk intake of (35.38 ± 3.94) mL, a gastric fluid pH value of (3.85 ± 0.20), bowel sounds of (4.94 ± 0.97) times/minute, and a direct bilirubin level of (41.98 ± 25.76) mmol/L. In contrast, the intervention group showed an initial oral feeding duration of (4.01 ± 0.76) days, a vomiting frequency of (5.61 ± 1.24) times, a daily milk intake of (43.54 ± 4.07) mL, a gastric fluid pH value of (3.41 ± 0.12), bowel sounds of (5.86 ± 1.11) times/minute, and a direct bilirubin level of (28.98 ± 18.10) mmol/L. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 18.36, 12.32, 9.66, 12.65, 4.18, 2.77, all P < 0.05). After intervention, the control group had a body length of (40.32 ± 1.84) cm, a body weight of (1.47 ± 0.55) kg, and a head circumference of (29.21 ± 1.07) cm. The intervention group had a body length of (45.00 ± 2.16) cm, a body weight of (1.83 ± 1.03) kg, and a head circumference of (30.14 ± 1.35) cm. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 11.06, 2.06, 3.62, all P < 0.05). At 40 weeks of corrected gestational age post-intervention, the control group had a NBNA score of (30.11 ± 2.41), whereas the intervention group had an NBNA score of (34.52 ± 2.82). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t = 7.97, P < 0.05). The number of patients experiencing common complications in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group [8 (17.78%) vs. 28 (62.22%), χ2 = 18.51, P < 0.05]. The control group had glycine levels of (94.07 ± 19.78) μmol/L, valine levels of (99.53 ± 13.42) μmol/L, homocysteine levels of (10.87 ± 4.43) μmol/L, cystatin levels of (233.71 ± 35.02) μmol/L, and methionine levels of (20.54 ± 4.67) μmol/L. The intervention group had glycine levels of (79.21 ± 17.54) μmol/L,valine levels of (88.70 ± 12.96) μmol/L, homocysteine levels of (13.68 ± 7.66) μmol/L, cystatin levels of (256.54 ± 35.49) μmol/L, and methionine levels of (22.97 ± 5.49) μmol/L. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t = 3.77, 3.89, 2.13, 3.07, 2.26, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Early enteral and parenteral nutritional support for low-birth-weight infants can restore their growth and development status, improve feeding conditions, enhance gastrointestinal function, and improve levels of metabolomic-related indicators.
10.The effects of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking of stroke survivors
Liang WANG ; Hongjian LU ; Dongyan ZHU ; Huiyuan JI ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Yuejiao CAO ; Qian XU ; Weiguan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(8):693-698
Objective:To explore the effect of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation (iTBS) of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking function of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors complicated with lower extremity dysfunction were divided into an iTBS group, an exoskeleton group and a combined group, each of 25, according to a random number table. In addition to conventional rehabilitation training, the iTBS group was given cerebellar iTBS combined with traditional walking training, the exoskeleton group received sham cerebellar iTBS combined with walking training assisted by a lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The combined group received both therapies. The schedule was once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the 10-metre walking test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) were used to evaluate the subjects′ walking ability, balance and lower extremity motor ability. Gait and neuro-electrophysiological tests were also conducted in all three groups.Results:After the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the 10MWT times, BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, stride frequency and stride speed of all three groups compared with before the treatment. On average, the results of the exoskeleton and combined groups were significantly better than those of the iTBS group, and those of the combined group were significantly better than among the exoskeleton group. Almost everyone′s MEP latency and amplitude had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, but the improvements in the exoskeleton group tended to be superior to those in the iTBS group ( P≤0.05). The latency in the combined group averaged (21.25±1.70)ms, and the amplitude averaged (184.17±6.54)μV, both significantly better than the exoskeleton group′s averages. Conclusions:Cerebellum iTBS combined with lower extremity exoskeleton walker training can significantly improve the motor functioning, balance and walking ability of stroke survivors.

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