SynthesisFrontiers in neurology2025
Efficacy of combined non-invasive brain stimulation and robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity recovery post-stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in Frontiers in neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Enhancing functional motor outcomes in chronic stroke: A systematic review of the growing role of non-invasive brain stimulation.PloS one · 2025Pooled it
- Modern Technologies Supporting Motor Rehabilitation After Stroke: A Narrative Review.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Isokinetic Muscle Strengthening of the Lower Limbs in People with Stroke: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Combine effects of robotic assisted gait training with transcranial magnetic stimulation on gait metrics and balance in stroke patients: a pilot randomized control.Frontiers in neurology · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Lower extremity dysfunction post-stroke significantly impedes patient independence and quality of life. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) have individually shown promising outcomes in gait recovery. However, the synergistic efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with robot-assisted gait training remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the combined therapy's effectiveness on gait improvement and related motor functions in stroke patients. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2024. The primary outcome was assessed using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), with secondary outcomes examining assessed using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC); the Motion Index (MI) to analyze exercise intensity; the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to assess spasticity; and spatiotemporal gait parameters (SPG). Results: Six randomized controlled trials involving 191 stroke patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed that combined non-invasive brain stimulation and robot-assisted gait training significantly improved the 6-min walk test scores (mean difference [MD] = 21.81, 95% CI = 0.03-43.59), though effects on strength, activity participation, spasticity, and coordination were non-significant. Conclusion: Non-invasive brain stimulation combined with robot-assisted gait training shows potential in enhancing gait function but provides limited additional benefits for other motor functions. This combined approach may serve as an effective rehabilitation strategy for post-stroke gait recovery, warranting further large-scale studies to refine intervention protocols. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42021283890.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.