Randomized trial compares rTMS effects on language function in post-stroke aphasia, suggesting effective interventions.
Background and aims Although studies have found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the right Broca mirror area can promote the recovery of language function in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) patients, this target has certain limitations, so the specific target has not been determined. Previous studies have found that non-invasive electrical stimulation of the contralateral cerebellum can improve the language function of PSA patients. Therefore, this study aimed to compare repetitive TMS (rTMS) effects between contralateral cerebellum and right Broca mirror area on language function in PSA patients. Methods PSA patients caused by left hemisphere stroke were included and randomly divided into three groups: one targeting the Broca mirror area, another targeting the cerebellum, and a control group. All three groups received standard speech-language therapy for two weeks, intervention groups additively received 1Hz rTMS at selective targets. The language function was assessed by Western Aphasia Battery (WAB). Results The study finally included 77 PSA patients, 25 were assigned to the Broca mirror area group, 26 to the cerebellum group, and 26 to the control group. Compared with the control group, the Broca mirror area group and the cerebellum group showed more significant improvement in language function. Compared with the Broca mirror area group, there was no statistical difference in the improvement of language function in the cerebellum group (as showed in the Figure 1 Results of WAB). Conclusions Both Broca mirror area and cerebellum rTMS can enhance PSA language function with similar efficacy. Conflict of interest Yang LIU, Yumei ZHANG: nothing to disclose. Figure 1 - belongs to Results
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Liu et al. (2026) studied this question.
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