Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40170172›Full record

ArticleSystematic reviews2025

The effect of theta burst stimulation (TBS) on aphasia in stroke patients: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hong-Juan Fu, Yong Tang, Xin-Ru Wen, Wen-Qian Zhao, Yi-Qiu Gao, Chen Huang, Li-Hong Zeng, Shu-Hao Zhang, Juan Li, Guan-Chao Zuo

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Systematic reviews, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

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.

2 · The registry

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.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Hong-Juan FuAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1211-3814
Yong TangAcupuncture-Moxibustion School of Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Xin-Ru WenAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Wen-Qian ZhaoAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Yi-Qiu GaoAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Chen HuangAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Li-Hong ZengAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Shu-Hao ZhangAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Juan LiAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Guan-Chao ZuoAffiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. 18200522356@163.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0000-6465-3228

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPrior studies have 3suggested that theta burst stimulation (TBS) may be a promising intervention for the rehabilitation of aphasia after stroke. However, the results of these investigations have been inconsistent, with no definitive consensus on its efficacy and safety. Given the inconclusive nature of the existing evidence, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review to evaluate the therapeutic effects of TBS on aphasia in stroke patients.

methodsWe will perform an extensive search of eight online databases from their inception to August 1, 2024, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the impact of TBS on aphasia in stroke patients. The primary outcome will be the severity of aphasia, assessed using a suite of standardized evaluation tools. Secondary outcomes will include measures of naming, repetition, comprehension, spontaneous speech, aphasia quotient, quality of life, and documentation of adverse events. The review process will involve rigorous study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and evaluation of the certainty of evidence by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) software, version 5.3. If significant heterogeneity is not detected among the studies, a meta-analysis will be performed. Otherwise, a narrative qualitative summary will be provided. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first systematic review to comprehensively synthesize the existing evidence regarding the application of TBS in the treatment of aphasia in stroke patients. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers, facilitating the development of more equitable and high-quality healthcare services for this patient population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42024521347.

Indexed as

AphasiaStrokeStroke RehabilitationTranscranial Magnetic StimulationHumansMeta-Analysis as TopicQuality of LifeSystematic Reviews as TopicAphasiaMeta-analysisStrokeSystematic reviewTheta burst stimulation

Identifiers

PMID40170172
PMCPMC11959958

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Registered trials

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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.