MEP-Guided Scalp Acupuncture Combined with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-Stroke Upper...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Post-stroke upper extremity motor impairment presents a significant rehabilitation challenge.
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and scalp acupuncture show individual efficacy.
• Mechanisms and synergistic effects of combined rTMS and scalp acupuncture require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of MEP-guided scalp acupuncture combined with rTMS compared to rTMS alone.
• To explore the underlying neuromodulation mechanisms using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
• To assess sustained effects through follow-up evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving patients with stroke-induced upper limb motor deficits.
• Four-week intervention period with random assignment to combined therapy or rTMS alone.
• Concurrent conventional rehabilitation and follow-up assessments 4 weeks post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes include Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) amplitude.
• Secondary outcomes encompass Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and fNIRS data.
• Clinical and neuroimaging data will be analyzed to determine treatment effects.

Conclusions:

• This study is expected to provide evidence for an optimized, multi-target rehabilitation regimen.
• Integration of clinical scales and fNIRS aims to elucidate neural mechanisms of brain network reorganization.
• Findings may lead to improved therapeutic strategies for stroke recovery.