Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42185769›Full record

Trial reportBMC geriatrics2026

Effect of cerebellar vermis intermittent theta-burst stimulation on balance function in frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Xin Tian, Neng Huang, Yuan Shi, Kehong Zhao, Yi Chen, Huixin Tan, Lan Zheng, Zuoyan Liu

Abstract readRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph

Trial report in BMC geriatrics, 2026. 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

8 authors.

Xin Tian *Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Neng Huang *Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Yuan ShiSleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Kehong ZhaoDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Yi ChenDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Huixin TanDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Lan ZhengDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Innovation Center of Nursing Research and Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
Zuoyan LiuDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Innovation Center of Nursing Research and Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China. Zuo.yan.2008@163.com.

Funding

Science and Technology Department Project of Sichuan Province 2024NSFSC0573
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWith the increasing population of frail older adults, their compromised balance functions pose risks of falls and mortality. Effectively enhancing balance function could mitigate adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on balance function in frail older adults.

methodsFourty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to receive iTBS and sham stimulation in a randomized control trial design over a period of 4 weeks. Before and after intervention, related balance evaluation data was collected, including berg balance scale (BBS) score, Time-up and go (TUG) test, Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Limit of Stability (LOS) data obtained through the Balance Master system. Additionally, cortical activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), fNIRS was used as an exploratory neuroimaging measure. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was also assessed.

resultsA total of 45 subjects (mean [SD] age, 67.69 [8.16] years; 33 females [73.7%]) completed the trial were enrolled and randomized to receive iTBS (n = 23) or sham stimulation (n = 22). After intervention, the BBS (p<0.001), and TFI (p<0.001) score statistically significant improved in the iTBS group. The SOT (p<0.05) also improved. And the LOS had statistically significant improvement. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test between the two groups (p > 0.05). And study showed a significant difference in HbO levels for the left DLPFC (p < 0.05; 95% CI: -0.066, -0.003) and bilateral SMA (p<0.05, 95% CI: -0.061, -0.007; p<0.05, 95% CI: -0.072, -0.016) before and after the intervention. No significant adverse effects were reported on all subjects.

conclusionsOur findings indicate that iTBS could promote balance function, as evidenced by an increase in the BBS score, improvements in SOT and LOS, as well as elevated levels of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and supplementary motor area (SMA). CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: This clinical study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR, ChiCTR2500097468; registered on 19/02/2025).

Indexed as

CerebellumFrail ElderlyPostural BalanceTheta RhythmTranscranial Magnetic StimulationAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSpectroscopy, Near-InfraredBalance FunctionFrailFunctional Near-infrared SpectroscopyIntermittent Theta-burst StimulationOlder Adults

Identifiers

PMID42185769
PMCPMC13421827

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

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.