Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (33): 8802-8810.doi: 10.12307/2026.386

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Effects of different non-invasive brain stimulation modalities on unilateral spatial neglect after stroke: a network meta-analysis

Wang Dehua1, Liang Chunting1, Cheng Xiaofei1, Li Sihui1, Yao Xiaoduo2, Tang Jiqin3   

  1. 1College of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3College of Continuing Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, Shandong Province, China; 2College of Rehabilitation, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong Province, China
  • Received:2025-07-11 Revised:2025-10-15 Online:2026-11-28 Published:2026-06-17
  • Contact: Tang Jiqin, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, College of Continuing Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Wang Dehua, MS candidate, College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, Shandong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Science and Technology Research Program of Shandong Society of Geriatrics, No. LKJGG2021Z018 (to TJQ)

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Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Using network Meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effects of various non-invasive brain stimulation modalities for unilateral spatial neglect after stroke and provide a scientific basis for selecting clinical treatment options.
METHODS: The researchers independently searched Scopus, PubMed, CNKI, WanFang Database, and other commonly used Chinese and English literature databases to collect relevant randomized controlled trials of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of unilateral spatial neglect after stroke from the establishment of the database to June 24, 2025. The quality of the included studies was assessed by Version 2 of the Cochrane Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials (Rob 2). RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17 were used to conduct traditional and network meta-analysis, draw the network evidence map, and offset funnel plot. Finally, GRADE was used to evaluate the level of evidence for each outcome.
RESULTS: (1) A total of 20 articles with a total sample size of 900 were included, 3 of which were rated as low-risk, 17 were classified as having some risk, and none were classified as high-risk. (2) The results of network meta-analysis showed that single channel transcranial direct current stimulation was conducted to the right parietal lobe with the best efficacy in improving the line bisection test and mini-mental state examination in patients with unilateral spatial neglect. The continuous theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation targeted the left parietal lobe with the best effect in improving the modified Barthel index and the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale. (3) The GRADE evidence level evaluation results showed that the three levels of evidence were low for line bisection test, Modified Barthel index, and the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, and were moderate for the Mini-Mental State Examination.
CONCLUSION: The available clinical evidence of low to moderate intensity suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation is effective in improving cognitive, motor, and daily living abilities in patients with unilateral spatial neglect after stroke. However, due to the number and quality of the included studies, this conclusion still needs to be further verified by more high-quality studies.


Key words: non-invasive brain stimulation, stimulation modalities, unilateral spatial neglect, stroke, network meta-analysis

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