Cerebellar Theta-Burst Stimulation Combined With Physiotherapy in Subacute and Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

You'll have to ask your doctor what the protocol is and if your hospital has machines that can deliver TBS.   Whereas this research from February 2013 showed no benefit; Ask your doctor to reconcile these two.

Theta burst stimulation in the rehabilitation of the upper limb: A semirandomized, placebo-controlled trial in chronic stroke patients  February 2013

The latest here:

 

Cerebellar Theta-Burst Stimulation Combined With Physiotherapy in Subacute and Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

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Ling-Yi Liao, MSc, Yun-Juan Xie, MSc, Yi Chen, MSc, ...

First Published November 9, 2020 Research Article Find in PubMed 

https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968320971735

Article information

 

Abstract

Background

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has been suggested to improve poststroke rehabilitation. The cerebellum is considered crucial for motor control. However, the effects of cerebellar iTBS with routine physical therapy on balance and motor recovery in subacute and chronic stroke patients have not been explored.

Objective

To measure the short-term effects of cerebellar iTBS with physiotherapy on the balance and functional outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis.

Methods

Thirty hemiparetic patients were recruited for this randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial, and randomized into either the treatment or sham group. Both groups participated in physiotherapy 5 times per week for 2 weeks, and cerebellar iTBS or sham iTBS was performed daily, immediately before physiotherapy. The primary outcome was the Berg balance scale (BBS) score. Secondary outcomes included the trunk impairment scale (TIS) score, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score for lower extremities (FMA-LE), Barthel index (BI), and corticospinal excitability, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. The outcomes were measured before and 1 week and 2 weeks after the intervention.

Results

Compared with those at baseline, significant increases were identified in all clinical scores (BBS, TIS, FMA-LE, and BI) in both groups after the 2-week intervention. The BBS and TIS scores improved more in the iTBS group than in the sham group.

Conclusions

Cerebellar iTBS with physiotherapy promotes balance and motor recovery in post stroke patients. Therefore, this method can be used in low-cost, fast, and efficient protocols for stroke rehabilitation (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900026450).

Keywords stroke, rehabilitation, theta-burst stimulation, balance, corticospinal excitability

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