High-dose accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation targeting the primary motor cortex for gait and cognitive functions in cerebral small vessel disease: a randomized controlled trial - Report - MDSpire

High-dose accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation targeting the primary motor cortex for gait and cognitive functions in cerebral small vessel disease: a randomized controlled trial

  • By

  • Xiao-Ying Zhao

  • Jia-Jing Tian

  • Bei-Yan Guan

  • Hua-Wei Chen

  • Shi-Yao Wang

  • Xin-Yang Zhang

  • Yan-Wei Miao

  • Chun-Li Song

  • Bing-Wei Zhang

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: High-Dose aiTBS for Gait and Cognitive Abilities in CSVD

Overview

This study demonstrates that high-dose accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) significantly improves gait and cognitive function in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). The findings suggest that aiTBS may serve as a promising non-invasive treatment option for managing symptoms associated with CSVD.

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a prevalent condition that leads to cognitive impairment and gait disturbances, severely affecting patients' quality of life. Current treatment options for these symptoms are limited, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as aiTBS, have shown potential in modulating brain function and improving clinical outcomes in various neurological disorders.

Data Highlights

Outcome MeasureReal-aiTBS GroupSham-aiTBS Group
3mTUG DurationSignificantly improvedNo significant change
Tinetti ScoreSignificantly improvedNo significant change
CMMS ScoreSignificantly improvedNo significant change
MoCA ScoreNo significant changeNo significant change

Key Findings

  • Real-aiTBS group showed significant improvement in 3mTUG duration compared to sham group.
  • Improvements in Tinetti and CMMS scores were also significant in the real-aiTBS group.
  • No significant difference was observed in MoCA scores between the two groups.
  • Therapeutic response to aiTBS correlated with neuroimaging features of CSVD.
  • High-dose aiTBS was well-tolerated with no serious adverse effects reported.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that aiTBS could be integrated into treatment plans for patients with CSVD to enhance mobility and cognitive function. Clinicians should consider the neuroimaging characteristics of CSVD when evaluating potential responses to aiTBS therapy.

Conclusion

High-dose aiTBS targeting the primary motor cortex shows promise as an effective intervention for improving gait and cognitive abilities in patients with CSVD. Further research is warranted to establish long-term efficacy and safety.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation for Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
  3. conexiant, 2023 -- At-Home Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer’s
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2023 -- Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Cognitive Training on Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Study
  5. The pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease and vascular cognitive impairment - PMC, 2023
  6. Revised Diagnostic Criteria for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia-The VasCog-2-WSO Criteria - PubMed, 2023
  7. The Effect of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation for Post-Stroke Lower Limb Motor Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed, 2023
  8. The pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease and vascular cognitive impairment - PMC
  9. Revised Diagnostic Criteria for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia-The VasCog-2-WSO Criteria - PubMed
  10. The Effect of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation for Post-Stroke Lower Limb Motor Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed

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