A Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System: Achieving Dynamic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) optimization in stroke rehabilitation is limited by the lack of concurrent physiological feedback.
• Existing neuromodulation and neuroimaging techniques often lack validation for clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate rTMS with fNIRS for concurrent neural activity monitoring during neuromodulation.
• To evaluate the feasibility of this combined system in stroke rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Developed an rTMS-fNIRS system using improved fNIRS probes for proximal detection under clinical rTMS.
• Conducted engineering validation including magnetic interference testing and simulation analyses.
• Performed a 14-day clinical trial with 80 stroke patients, assessing neuroplasticity and behavioral improvements.

Main Results:

• The rTMS-fNIRS system stably recorded cortical hemodynamic responses during high-intensity stimulation.
• Excitatory rTMS led to enhanced cortical activation and interhemispheric rebalancing.
• Neurophysiological changes correlated significantly with upper-limb motor recovery improvements.

Conclusions:

• The rTMS-fNIRS system provides stable neuromodulatory intervention.
• The system enables concurrent monitoring of stimulation-induced neuroplastic changes in clinical settings.
• This technology supports the development of adaptive, closed-loop neurorehabilitation.