Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40726624›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in neurology2025

Effectiveness of dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Jiawei Qin, Zhenzhen Hong, Jingfeng Wang, Yi Zhang, Huihong Zhuang, Shanshan Hong, Liling Zheng

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed, 2 pooled it
–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

3 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Pooled it
  3. Review
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

7 authors.

Jiawei Qin *Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
Zhenzhen Hong *Department of Endocrinology, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
Jingfeng WangDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
Yi ZhangDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
Huihong ZhuangDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
Shanshan HongDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China.
Liling ZhengDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising neuromodulation technique in stroke rehabilitation. By targeting multiple brain regions, dual-site TMS may enhance neuroplasticity more effectively than single-site stimulation. However, its clinical efficacy remains uncertain. Objective: To systematically evaluate the effects of dual-site TMS in improving motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with stroke. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following PRISMA guidelines. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to February 19, 2024. Studies comparing dual-site TMS with single-site TMS, sham dual-site TMS, or routine rehabilitation in stroke patients were included. Outcomes included Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), FMA-Upper Limb (FMA-UL), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Barthel Index (BI), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and others. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Results: Fourteen RCTs involving 724 participants were included. Dual-site TMS significantly improved upper limb motor function compared with single-site TMS (MD = 7.07, 95% CI: 1.46 to 12.68, Conclusion: Dual-site TMS combined with routine rehabilitation is more effective than single-site TMS or sham dual-site TMS in improving motor function and ADL among stroke patients. These findings support its clinical application as an adjunct to conventional therapy. Further high-quality trials are needed to optimize stimulation protocols and confirm long-term effects.

Indexed as

activities of daily livingmotor functionstrokesystematic reviewtranscranial magnetic stimulation

Identifiers

PMID40726624
PMCPMC12301190

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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 Socratic graph.