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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
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Utilizing Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Language Function in Stroke Patients with Chronic Non-fluent Aphasia
Published on: July 2, 2013
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Speech and Language Therapy Plus Electroacupuncture or Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Post-Stroke Aphasia: A
Lanlan Zhang1, Bingbing Lin1,2, Yunshi Huang1
1Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.
Neurorehabilitation
|April 2, 2025
Summary
Combining speech and language therapy (SLT) with other treatments significantly improves language function in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) patients. Specific combinations like SLT plus electroacupuncture show the most promise for speech and repetition recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) significantly impacts communication abilities.
- Speech and language therapy (SLT) is a cornerstone treatment for PSA.
- Combination therapies, including acupuncture and brain stimulation, are increasingly explored alongside SLT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SLT-based combination therapies for improving language function in PSA patients.
- To compare the effectiveness of various SLT combination interventions against SLT alone.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases up to December 2, 2024.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SLT-based combination treatments with controls for PSA.
- Random effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was employed to synthesize the data.
Main Results:
- Sixty-six studies were included in the NMA.
- Combined therapies generally demonstrated superior outcomes compared to SLT alone for speech, repetition, and listening comprehension.
- SLT + Electroacupuncture showed the highest likelihood for improving speaking skills (SUCRA=84.6) and repetition (SUCRA=92.0).
- SLT + transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) showed the greatest potential for improving listening comprehension (SUCRA=89.8).
Conclusions:
- All SLT-based combination interventions were found to be more effective than SLT alone for treating PSA.
- Specific combination therapies, such as SLT with electroacupuncture or tDCS, offer targeted benefits for different language domains.
Keywords:
aphasiaelectroacupuncturenetwork meta-analysisnon-invasive brain stimulationspeech and language therapystrokeMore Related Videos
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