Study of Brain Stimulation Using Intermittent Theta Burst to Help Upper and Lower Limb Recovery in Adults with Long-Term Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects and practical use of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation iTBS for helping motor recovery of the upper limb in people with chronic stroke. The study also aims to understand how brain networks change structurally and functionally after this treatment. This clinical trial is randomized and controlled to compare iTBS with a sham version. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive iTBS targeted at the affected motor cortex using specialized neuronavigation equipment, followed by 45 minutes of conventional physical therapy focusing on upper limb rehabilitation. The control group will receive a sham iTBS that mimics the procedure without active stimulation, followed by similar physical therapy. The intervention occurs three times per week for five weeks, totaling 15 sessions. Throughout the study, participants will undergo advanced brain imaging before and after the intervention to observe neuroplastic changes. Various assessments will measure motor function, muscle tone, strength, cognitive function, and daily performance at baseline, after the 5-week intervention, and at 12 weeks follow-up. Safety and clinical outcomes will be closely monitored by blinded assessors, spanning from the start through the follow-up period.

Effects of Intermitted Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) on Motor Recovery of Upper Extremity in Chronic Stroke Patients