Effects of Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Motor Function of Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background As the core of motor control and learning, the cerebellum is crucial for maintaining posture, regulating muscle tone, and coordinating movement. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies on the application of cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTMS) to motor dysfunction in patients with stroke. This review aims to analyze cTMS efficacy for stroke patients and further explore the specific effects of different stages of the disease, stimulation modes, stimulation intensity, and treatment duration. Methods Six databases were searched comprehensively—CNKI, Wanfang, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Embase—to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to October 2024 that investigated the improvement of physical motor dysfunction in stroke patients using cTMS. Two researchers screened the literature, extracted data, and independently assessed the quality and risk of bias of the included studies using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool 2. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Results A total of 20 RCTs with 812 participants were included. Meta‐analysis and sensitivity analysis revealed that cTMS significantly improved BBS (Random, MD = 5.19, 95%CI = 3.66–6.72, p 20 sessions, p < 0.00001). Conclusion cTMS effectively improves motor function in patients with stroke, particularly during the subacute phase with excitatory stimulation and moderate intensities (≤ 80%RMT). Trial Registration PROSPERO number: CRD42024540604

Keywords

• balance
• cerebellum
• limb motor function
• stroke
• transcranial magnetic stimulation