Authors: Low TA, Lindland K, Kirton A, Carlson HL, Harris AD, Goodyear BG, Monchi O, Hill MD, Dukelow SP
Title: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with multi-modality aphasia therapy for chronic post-stroke non-fluent aphasia: A pilot randomized sham-controlled trial
Source: Brain and Language 2023 236: Article ID: 105216
Year: 2023
Research Design: Randomised Controlled Trial
Rating Score: 08/10
This rating is confirmed
Eligibility specified - Y
Random allocation - Y
Concealed allocation - N
Baseline comparability - Y
Blind subjects - Y
Blind therapists - N
Blind assessors - Y
Adequate follow-up - Y
Intention-to-treat analysis - Y
Between-group comparisons - Y
Point estimates and variability - Y
Abstract:

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows promise in improving speech production in post-stroke aphasia. Limited evidence suggests pairing rTMS with speech therapy may result in greater improvements. Twenty stroke survivors (>6 months post-stroke) were randomized to receive either sham rTMS plus multi-modality aphasia therapy (M-MAT) or rTMS plus M-MAT. For the first time, we demonstrate that rTMS combined with M-MAT is feasible, with zero adverse events and minimal attrition. Both groups improved significantly over time on all speech and language outcomes. However, improvements did not differ between rTMS or sham. We found that rTMS and sham groups differed in lesion location, which may explain speech and language outcomes as well as unique patterns of BOLD signal change within each group. We offer practical considerations for future studies and conclude that while combination therapy of rTMS plus M-MAT in chronic post-stroke aphasia is safe and feasible, personalized intervention may be necessary.
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