Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for lower limb dysfunction post stroke: a scoping review / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo summarize and analyze the protocols of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of post-stroke lower limb dysfunction. MethodsLiterature about rTMS for lower limb dysfunction of patients post stroke were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Data from inception to August 17, 2022. The quality of the literature was evaluated with Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Literature quality, data extraction and scoping review were performed by two researchers. ResultsA total of 21 studies were included, in which 20 studies suggested that rTMS treatment could promote the recovery of lower limb motor function after stroke. One study showed negative result. rTMS interventions were reported safe, with no serious adverse reactions. There were great heterogeneity in the demographic and clinical information, study protocols, stimulation parameters, coil types, targets of stimulation, and motor-evoked potential measurement in the included studies. ConclusionThe future protocols of rTMS need to be combined with stroke stage and severity of injury. There is a demand for more real vs. sham rTMS studies, reporting similar designs with sufficient information, to achieve a significant level of evidence regarding the use of rTMS in post-stroke patients.