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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Utilizing Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Language Function in Stroke Patients with Chronic Non-fluent Aphasia
Published on: July 2, 2013
Comparison of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and intermittent theta burst stimulation efficacy in
Fang Li1, Jinling Cheng2, Yanying Zhu1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yuebei People's Hospital, Shaoguan, Guangdong, China.
Objective:
To compare the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the motor cortex representation of the mylohyoid muscle in treating post-stroke dysphagia.
Methods:
Ninety-two patients with post-stroke dysphagia (July 2022-May 2023) were randomized into three groups: rTMS (n = 31), iTBS (n = 30), and control (n = 31). The rTMS and iTBS groups received respective stimulations plus routine rehabilitation; the control group received routine rehabilitation alone. Swallowing function was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dysphagia Disability Index (DD).
Results:
After 2 weeks, all groups showed significant swallowing improvement (p < 0.001). Both rTMS and iTBS groups demonstrated greater improvement in PAS and DD scores versus controls (p < 0.001). No significant difference emerged between rTMS and iTBS efficacy (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
rTMS and iTBS equivalently improve post-stroke dysphagia. iTBS achieves comparable outcomes with shorter treatment duration, supporting its clinical adoption.
Clinical Trial Registration:
Identifier ChiCTR2200058246, https://www.chictr.org.cn/.
