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Clinical Trials in China / NCT07210944
Starting soon Not applicable

Scalp Acupuncture Combined With rTMS for Upper Limb Motor Dysfunction in Stroke: A Brain Network Study

NCT07210944 · tracked via the Priya Life Science China tracker
Sponsor
Debiao Kong
Phase
Not applicable
Started
2025-12-05
Last updated
2025-11-19

Condition(s) studied

Upper ExtremityAcupuncture TherapyStrokeTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation RepetitiveMotor Disorders

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationScalp acupunctureConventional rehabilitation treatment

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: Transcranial magnetic stimulation applied a figure-8 coil to the premotor area at 80%-100% of the healthy-side MEP threshold. Treatment lasted 20 min in two phases: weeks 1-2 on the ipsilateral M1 (1Hz, 10s on/5s off), and weeks 3-4 on the contralateral M1 (10Hz, 3s on/12s off). Treat once a day, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks.

Scalp acupuncture: Scalp acupuncture selected bilateral upper-limb cortical MEP points (2 points total). The healthy-side hot spot was identified first; if the affected side had no MEP, its mirror point was used. Needles were inserted from point A (affected) to B (healthy) and beyond along the AB line. After insertion, needles were rotated for 2-3 min, manipulated every 10 min, and retained for 30 min. Treat once a day, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks.

Conventional rehabilitation treatment: Conventional drug therapy included secondary stroke prevention, neurotrophy, and improved cerebral circulation. Routine rehabilitation involved exercise, occupational, and physical therapies, with a total daily treatment time of 90 minutes.

Study summary

This study aims to compare the improvement effects of the rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy group with the rTMS combined with scalp acupuncture and conventional rehabilitation therapy group. Through statistical analysis of the results obtained from functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology during task states, the investigators elucidate the neuroregulatory mechanism of scalp acupuncture combined with rTMS in improving upper limb motor function in stroke patients under MEP localization, and provide evidence for a more optimal rehabilitation program for post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction.

Eligibility

Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet the diagnostic criteria for stroke (symptoms and signs, imaging indicators, etc.), and are independently diagnosed by two deputy chief physicians * Age 18-70 years old, first episode, duration 1-6 months * The diagnostic criteria for upper limb dysfunction align with the Brunnstrom staging system: patients in Brunnstrom stages II to IV. Stage II: patients exhibit associative responses and can perform coordinated movements, with minimal voluntary movements; Stage III: patients show voluntary coordinated movements, such as grasping with the hand but not extending; Stage IV: patients can perform isolated movements, such as pinching with the hand and limited extension * No severe visual or hearing impairment, able to cooperate with relevant assessments and tests * The score of the Mini-Mental State Examination is ≥20 points * Vital signs are stable, with no signs of progressive neurological symptoms * The patient or legal guardian agrees and signs the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Severe visual impairment, hemispatial neglect, body image disorder * Individuals who cannot undergo rTMS treatment due to reasons such as metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, or skull defects * Previous history of brain tumor, brain trauma, epilepsy, and risk of epileptic seizures * Any other factors that affect assessment and treatment * Dysfunction of limb movement caused by other reasons (such as trauma, etc.)

Primary outcome measure(s)

Trial sites (1)

FacilityCityRegionStatus
the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou Zhejiang

Other trials for the same condition

Official registry record

This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.

View NCT07210944 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ← All trials in China