Can cerebellar noninvasive brain stimulation improve lower limb function in stroke? Evidence from meta-analyses based on ICF

Key Points

• To evaluate the effectiveness of cerebellar noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on lower limb function in stroke patients.
• Conducted meta-analyses based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework.
• Assessed improvements in 'Activity' components using scales like Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI).
• Included studies with low-to-moderate level evidence.
• Cerebellar NIBS resulted in statistically significant improvements in activity levels.
• Improvements were noted on the Berg, TUG, and BI scales.
• Clinically meaningful differences were only seen for Barthel Index.