Transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms of post-stroke hemiplegia: a systematic review - Scorecard - MDSpire

Transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms of post-stroke hemiplegia: a systematic review

  • By

  • Yuzhe Zou

  • Xiangfeng Lai

  • Qian Liu

  • Hongmei Zhang

  • Hui Li

  • Wei Li

  • Dingwei He

  • Liqing Yao

  • Xue Yang

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Investigating Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Post-Stroke Hemiplegia through the Integration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Systematic Review

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionPost-Stroke Hemiplegia
Key MechanismsImbalanced interhemispheric competition and abnormal neural network reorganization.
Target PopulationPatients with hemiplegia after stroke.
Care SettingClinical rehabilitation settings.

Key Highlights

  • TMS-fNIRS combined protocol is safe and feasible.
  • Six out of nine studies reported statistically significant improvements in motor function.
  • Effective TMS interventions enhance activation of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex.
  • Changes in neurophysiological indicators correlated with clinical function improvements.
  • Current evidence is in early stages with moderate to low level of evidence strength.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assessment of motor dysfunction through clinical evaluations.

Management

  • Utilization of TMS and fNIRS for intervention in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Continuous monitoring of neural activity and hemodynamic responses using fNIRS.

Risks

  • High risk of bias in non-randomized studies and limitations in sample sizes.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Stroke survivors with hemiplegia.

Combination of TMS and fNIRS may facilitate individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Conduct large-scale, standardized clinical trials for precision therapy.
  • Integrate assessment and intervention strategies in stroke rehabilitation.

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