Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (27): 7176-7181.doi: 10.12307/2026.443

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves limb motor function and upper limb muscles in stroke patients: a meta-analysis

Ren Pengbo1, Li Tingwen2, Cai Feng3, Zhang Jianhua3   

  1. 1Changzhou University Huaide College, Jingjiang 214500, Jiangsu Province, China; 2School of Physical Education, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, Fujian Province, China; 3School of Physical Education, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu Province, China
  • Received:2025-11-18 Accepted:2026-01-23 Online:2026-09-28 Published:2026-05-25
  • Contact: Li Tingwen, PhD, Lecturer, Master’s supervisor, School of Physical Education, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, Fujian Province, China Co-corresponding author: Zhang Jianhua, MS, Professor (Level II), Doctoral supervisor, School of Physical Education, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu Province, China
  • About author:Ren Pengbo, MS, Lecturer, Changzhou University Huaide College, Jingjiang 214500, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Social Science Foundation of China, No. 20BTY090 (to ZJH); Ministry of Education Humanities and Social Sciences Research Foundation, No. 24YJCZH145 (to LTW); Fujian Provincial Social Science Research Foundation, No. FJ2022C014 (to LTW)

PDF

14

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation significantly improves upper limb motor function in stroke patients, but its efficacy in reducing upper limb muscle spasticity remains controversial. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on limb motor function and upper limb muscle spasticity in stroke patients.
METHODS:  Utilizing computer search technology, this study meticulously screened randomized controlled studies targeting stroke patients undergoing low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP Information, WanFang Data, and China Biology Medicine (CBM). The experimental group received low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, or low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy or conventional rehabilitation therapy. The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy, sham stimulation, or physical therapy. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was conducted on these studies using the RevMan 5.3 statistical software package.
RESULTS: This meta-analysis included a total of 8 high-quality randomized controlled trials, encompassing 502 patients. The meta-analysis results revealed that compared with the control group, patients receiving low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation exhibited significant improvements in Brunnstrom hand function scores [mean difference (MD)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22 to 1.80, P < 0.000 01], Fugl-Meyer motor function scores (MD=5.69, 95% CI: 3.18 to 8.20, P < 0.000 01), Modified Barthel Index scores (MD=8.55, 95% CI: 3.27 to 13.84, P=0.002), and Berg Balance Scale scores (MD=5.72, 95% CI: 3.13 to 8.32, P < 0.000 1). However, comparisons of Modified Ashworth Scale scores between the two groups after treatment showed no statistically significant difference (MD=-0.11, 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.85, P=0.82).
CONCLUSION: Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can significantly improve the limb motor function and upper limb muscle condition in stroke patients, particularly enhancing hand motor function, overall motor ability, daily living self-care skills, and balance capacity. However, in terms of alleviating upper limb muscle spasticity, low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has not demonstrated a clear advantage. Nevertheless, this conclusion still requires further verification through more high-quality studies with longer intervention durations and follow-up data.

Key words: ">low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, limb motor function, upper limb muscles, stroke, muscle tension, meta-analysis

CLC Number: