ArticleTrials2025
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: study protocol for a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
Article in Trials, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT06069323 (Therapeutic Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which is not on this map. Cited by 1 paper.
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.
Therapeutic Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Cohorts (ADHD): a Randomized, Sham-controlled Study.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Nursing Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Effects on Developmental Quotient and Serum Neurotransmitters.Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has significantly increased over recent decades, representing a serious public health issue. Neurobiological characteristics of ASD include imbalances in cortical excitation and inhibition, along with disruptions in neural network connectivity. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may provide a therapeutic option when cognitive-behavioral therapy alone is insufficient to alleviate core symptoms. This article outlines the protocol for a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized study assessing low-frequency rTMS targeting the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in children and adolescents with ASD. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of rTMS compared to sham stimulation.
methodsForty patients with ASD, aged 7-18 years and with different levels of clinical severity, will be randomized into an active treatment group (n = 20) and a sham control group (n = 20). Each participant will receive 18 low-frequency (2 Hz) rTMS sessions over 9 weeks, administered at 90% of the motor threshold with 180 pulses per session. Treatment will target the left DLPFC (six sessions), the right DLPFC (six sessions), and both hemispheres (six sessions). Clinical, cognitive, and neurophysiological assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Biological samples (blood, urine) will be collected at each time point to evaluate changes in various biomarkers, including tryptophan metabolites, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory mediators. Safety will be monitored through semi-structured interviews and adverse event reporting. DISCUSSION: This study aims to identify a safe rTMS protocol for ASD that could complement existing therapies. By assessing the cognitive domains and the clinical and biochemical profiles most responsive to rTMS, this study may contribute to optimize ASD treatments and enhance therapeutic outcomes in pediatric populations.
trial registrationThe study protocol is registered at "ClinicalTrials.gov" with the following ID: NCT06069323.
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