Acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a sharp increase in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Acupuncture therapy has the advantages of accurate clinical efficacy, safety and reliability, few adverse reactions, and no dependence, and is gradually becoming one of the emerging therapies for treating GAD. We present a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial with the aim of exploring the mechanism of brain plasticity in patients with GAD and evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of acupuncture treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assess cortical excitability in GAD patients and healthy people. Sixty-six GAD patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups: TA group, (treatment with acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment) and SA group (sham acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment). Twenty healthy people will be recruited as the control group (HC). The parameters that will be evaluated are amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical resting period (CSP), resting motor threshold (RMT), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. Secondary results will include blood analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), serotonin (5-HT), and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention (week 8). This study protocol is the first clinical trial designed to detect differences in cerebral cortical excitability between healthy subjects and patients with GAD, and the comparison of clinical efficacy and reliability before and after acupuncture intervention is also one of the main contents of the protocol. We hope to find a suitable non-pharmacological alternative treatment for patients with GAD.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of phantom limb pain: a systematic review / Estimulação magnética transcraniana no tratamento da dor do membro fantasma: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Phantom limb pain (PLP) occurs after amputations and can persist in a chronic and debilitating way. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation method capable of influencing brain function and modulating cortical excitability. Its effectiveness in treating chronic pain is promising. Objective To evaluate the evidence on the efficacy and safety of using rTMS in the treatment of PLP, observing the stimulation parameters used, side effects, and benefits of the therapy. Methods This is a systematic review of scientific articles published in national and international literature using electronic platforms. Results Two hundred and fifty two articles were identified. Two hundred and forty six publications were removed because they were duplicated or met the exclusion criteria. After selection, six studies were reviewed, those being two randomized clinical trials and four case reports. All evaluated studies indicated some degree of benefit of rTMS to relieve painful symptoms, even temporarily. Pain perception was lower at the end of treatment when compared to the period prior to the sessions and remained during patient follow-up. There was no standardization of the stimulation parameters used. There were no reports of serious adverse events. The effects of long-term therapy have not been evaluated. Conclusion There are some benefits, even if temporary, in the use of rTMS to relieve painful symptoms in PLP. High-frequency stimulation at M1 demonstrated a significant analgesic effect. Given the potential that has been demonstrated, but limited by the paucity of high-quality studies, further controlled studies are needed to establish and standardize the clinical use of the method.

Resumo Antecedentes A dor do membro fantasma (DMF) ocorre após amputações e pode persistir de forma crônica e debilitante. A estimulação magnética transcraniana repetitiva (EMTr) é um método de neuromodulação não invasivo capaz de influenciar a função cerebral e modular a excitabilidade cortical. Sua eficácia no tratamento da dor crônica é promissora. Objetivo Avaliar as evidências sobre a eficácia e segurança do uso da EMTr no tratamento da DMF, observando os parâmetros de estimulação utilizados, efeitos colaterais e benefícios da terapia. Métodos Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de artigos científicos publicados na literatura nacional e internacional utilizando plataformas eletrônicas. Resultados Foram identificados 252 artigos. Duzentas e quarenta e seis publicações foram removidas por estarem duplicadas ou atenderem aos critérios de exclusão. Após a seleção, foram revisados seis estudos, sendo dois ensaios clínicos randomizados e quatro relatos de caso. Todos os estudos avaliados indicaram algum grau de benefício da EMTr no alívio dos sintomas dolorosos, mesmo que temporariamente. A percepção da dor foi menor ao final do tratamento quando comparada ao período anterior às sessões e permaneceu durante o acompanhamento do paciente. Não houve padronização dos parâmetros de estimulação utilizados. Não houve relatos de eventos adversos graves. Os efeitos da terapia a longo prazo não foram avaliados. Conclusão Existem alguns benefícios, mesmo que temporários, no uso da EMTr para alívio dos sintomas dolorosos na DMF. A estimulação de alta frequência em M1 demonstrou um efeito analgésico significativo. Dado o potencial demonstrado, mas limitado pela escassez de estudos de alta qualidade, são necessários mais estudos controlados para estabelecer e padronizar o uso clínico do método.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women: protocol for a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial / Efectos de la estimulación transcraneal por corriente directa y del entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico en mujeres: protocolo de un ensayo clínico controlado, aleatorizado y doble ciego / Efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua e treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico em mulheres: protocolo para um ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado e duplo-cego

ABSTRACT Pelvic floor muscle weakness can lead to urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Although it can be minimized by pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), its effects are not lasting. Therefore, using combination therapy seems promising. This study aims to evaluate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with PFMT on intravaginal pressure, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), sexual function (SF), and quality of life (QoL) in healthy women. A total of 32 women, aged from 18 to 45 years, will undergo PFMT (with perineal contractions and relaxation) with the aid of pressure biofeedback associated with active tDCS or sham tDCS. Sessions will last 20 minutes, three times per week, for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. During the protocol, participants will be instructed to also perform the home-based PFMT daily. The tDCS anodal electrode will be positioned over the supplementary motor area of the dominant cortical hemisphere, whereas the cathodal will be over the contralateral supraorbital region, with a 2mA intensity for 20 minutes. Intravaginal pressure (pressure gauge), PFM strength (measured by digital palpation and the PERFECT scheme), FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), and QoL (SF-36 questionnaire) will be evaluated before and after the 12 sessions and after a 30-day follow-up.

RESUMEN La debilidad de la musculatura del suelo pélvico puede provocar incontinencia urinaria, prolapso de órganos pélvicos y disfunción sexual, y puede minimizarse mediante el entrenamiento de la musculatura del suelo pélvico (EMSP). Sin embargo, este efecto no es duradero. En este contexto, una terapia combinada puede ser prometedora para mejorar la situación. Este estudio tiene por objetivo evaluar el efecto de la estimulación transcraneal por corriente directa (ETCC) combinada con EMSP sobre la presión intravaginal, la fuerza muscular del suelo pélvico (FMSP), la función sexual (FS) y la calidad de vida (CV) en mujeres sanas. Participarán 32 mujeres, de entre 18 y 45 años, que se someterán a EMSP (contracciones y relajación del perineo) y a Biofeedback asociado a ETCC activa o ETCC sham durante 20 minutos, tres veces por semana, durante 4 semanas, con un total de 12 sesiones. Durante el protocolo, las participantes también se someterán diariamente a EMSP en casa. El electrodo anodal de la ETCC se colocará sobre el área motora suplementaria del hemisferio cortical dominante, y el electrodo catodal sobre la región supraorbital contralateral, a una intensidad de 2 mA, durante 20 minutos. Se evaluarán la presión intravaginal (manómetro), la FMSP (palpación digital, esquema Perfect), la FS (Índice de Función Sexual Femenina) y la CV (cuestionario SF-36) antes y después de las 12 sesiones, así como tras un seguimiento de 30 días.

RESUMO A fraqueza muscular do assoalho pélvico pode gerar incontinência urinária, prolapso de órgãos pélvicos e disfunção sexual, e pode ser minimizada pelo treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico (TMAP). No entanto, este efeito não é duradouro. Assim, terapia combinada parece ser promissora para a melhora deste quadro. Dessa forma, objetiva-se avaliar o efeito da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC), combinada ao TMAP, sobre a pressão intravaginal, força muscular do assoalho pélvico (FMAP), função sexual (FS) e qualidade de vida (QV) em mulheres saudáveis. Serão 32 mulheres, entre 18 e 45 anos, que realizaram TMAP (contrações e relaxamento do períneo) e Biofeedback associados a ETCC ativa ou ETCC sham por 20 minutos, três vezes por semana, por 4 semanas, totalizando 12 sessões. Durante o protocolo, as participantes também realizarão diariamente, em domicílio, o TMAP. O eletrodo anodal da ETCC será posicionado sobre a área motora suplementar do hemisfério cortical dominante, e o catodal sobre a região supraorbital contralateral, com intensidade de 2mA, por 20 minutos. A pressão intravaginal (manômetro de pressão), FMAP (palpação digital, esquema Perfect), FS (Índice de Função Sexual Feminina) e QV (questionário SF-36) foram avaliadas antes e depois das 12 sessões, bem como após acompanhamento de 30 dias.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation in the initial weeks post-stroke: a pilot randomized study

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed at assessing the alterations in upper limb motor impairment and connectivity between motor areas following the post-stroke delivery of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation sessions. Methods Modifications in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores, connectivity between the primary motor cortex of the unaffected and affected hemispheres, and between the primary motor and premotor cortices of the unaffected hemisphere were compared prior to and following six sessions of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation application in 13 patients (active = 6; sham = 7); this modality targets the primary motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere early after a stroke. Results Clinically relevant distinctions in Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores (≥9 points) were observed more frequently in the Sham Group than in the Active Group. Between-group differences in the alterations in Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores were not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.133). ROI-to-ROI correlations between the primary motor cortices of the affected and unaffected hemispheres post-therapeutically increased in 5/6 and 2/7 participants in the Active and Sham Groups, respectively. Between-group differences in modifications in connectivity between the aforementioned areas were not statistically significant. Motor performance enhancements were more frequent in the Sham Group compared to the Active Group. Conclusion The results of this hypothesis-generating investigation suggest that heightened connectivity may not translate into early clinical benefits following a stroke and will be crucial in designing larger cohort studies to explore mechanisms underlying the impacts of this intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02455427.

Safety and feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis: an exploratory study / Segurança e viabilidade da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua em pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal submetidos à hemodiálise: um estudo exploratório

Abstract Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease often face a challenging routine of hemodialysis, dietary restrictions, and multiple medications, which can affect their hemodynamic function. Home-based, safe, and nonpharmacological approaches such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) should be combined with conventional treatment. Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of tDCS on blood pressure and heart rate in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Method: This is a parallel, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Patients undergoing hemodialysis for more than three months were included. The patients received ten non-consecutive 2mA tDCS sessions on the primary motor cortex . Each session lasted 20 minutes. At baseline and after each of the ten sessions, blood pressure and heart rate of the patients were measured hourly for four hours. Results: Thirty patients were randomized to the active or sham group. The mean difference between the groups was calculated as the mean value of the sham group minus the mean value of the active group. Despite there were no statistical changes for all outcomes considering all 10 sessions, we found differences between groups for systolic -10.93 (-29.1;7.2), diastolic -3.63 (-12.4; 5.1), and mean blood pressure -6.0 (-16.3; 4.2) and hear rate 2.26 (-2.5; 7.1). No serious adverse events were found. The active group showed higher blood pressure values at all points, while heart rate was lower in the active group. Conclusion: tDCS is safe and feasible for patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Future studies should investigate whether tDCS could potentially induce a hypotensive protective effect during hemodialysis.

Resumo Introdução: Pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET) geralmente enfrentam uma rotina desafiadora de hemodiálise, restrições alimentares e diversos medicamentos, podendo afetar sua função hemodinâmica. Abordagens domiciliares, seguras e não farmacológicas, como a estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC), devem ser combinadas com tratamento convencional. Objetivo: Avaliar segurança e viabilidade da ETCC na pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca em pacientes com DRET em hemodiálise. Método: Estudo paralelo, randomizado, controlado por placebo. Foram incluídos pacientes em hemodiálise por mais de três meses. Os pacientes receberam dez sessões não consecutivas de ETCC de 2mA no córtex motor primário. Cada sessão durou 20 minutos. No início do estudo e após cada uma das dez sessões, a pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca dos pacientes foram medidas a cada hora durante quatro horas. Resultados: Trinta pacientes foram randomizados para grupo ativo ou sham. A diferença média entre grupos foi calculada como valor médio do grupo sham menos valor médio do grupo ativo. Apesar de não haver alterações estatísticas para todos os desfechos considerando as 10 sessões, encontramos diferenças entre os grupos para pressão arterial sistólica -10,93 (-29,1; 7,2), diastólica -3,63 (-12,4; 5,1) e média -6,0 (-16,3; 4,2) e frequência cardíaca 2,26 (-2,5; 7,1). Não encontramos eventos adversos graves. O grupo ativo apresentou valores maiores de pressão arterial em todos os pontos, enquanto a frequência cardíaca foi menor no grupo ativo. Conclusão: ETCC é segura e viável para pacientes com DRET submetidos à hemodiálise. Estudos futuros devem investigar se a ETCC pode potencialmente induzir um efeito hipotensor protetor durante a hemodiálise.

Research progress of neuromodulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Parkinson's disease(PD)is a common degenerative neurological disorder,characterized by static tremor,bradykinesia,myotonia and postural abnormalities.Dopaminergic drugs are the main drugs in the treatment of PD,but long-term use will lead to drug efficacy loss,and even cause some adverse reactions such as dyskinesia and"on-off"phenomenon.Neuromodulation is a kind of biomedical engineering technology that can stimulate or inhibit the activity of brain neurons and regulate the changes of neuroplasticity by means of electric energy,magnetic field,ultrasound and other methods,so as to achieve treatment and improvement of diseases.In the non-drug treatment of PD,neuromodulation,as a new therapeutic means,has shown good efficacy,and has the advantages of small adverse reactions and easy tolerance.Based on this,this article reviews the research progress of several common neuromodulation in PD,including deep brain stimulation,transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial focused ultrasound.

Progress in physical therapy for sleep disorders in children and adolescents / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Sleep disorders are common in children and adolescents, especially in those with neurodevelopmental and mental disorders, but treatment strategies remain limited.The main therapeutic methods for sleep disorders in children and adolescents include cognitive behavioral therapy, surgical therapy, drug therapy, and physical therapy.Conventional cognitive behavioral therapy is expensive; plus, the number of qualified sleep physicians and therapists is limited, and patient′s compliance is low.Drug therapy is the most commonly used treatment for insomnia in children and adolescents, but it lacks evidence-based indications and safety and has many adverse reactions, and its long-term efficacy is unknown.Physical therapy that changes the activity of central and peripheral nerves through physical stimulation such as magnetism, electricity, sound and light can provide valuable alternative or complementary treatment for individuals with sleep disorders who can′t get conventional treatment, have poor tolerance or are ineffective.In this paper, 4 common clinical physical therapies (transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and their application in treating sleep disorders in children and adolescents are reviewed, providing scientific basis and new ideas for the future clinical treatment of sleep disorders in children and adolescents.

Efficacy and safety profile of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus modified electroconvulsive therapy in combination with antidepressants in patients with major depressive disorder / 四川精神卫生

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder is one of the most disabling mental diseases. Currently， medication in combination with physiotherapy and psychotherapy remains the most commonly used treatment modality for the disease， whereas only a few randomized controlled studies have been conducted on physiotherapy， and even fewer studies have focused on medication combined with physiotherapy. ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety profile of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation （rTMS） versus modified electroconvulsive therapy （MECT） in combination with antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder， so as to provide an optimized treatment plan for patients with major depressive disorder. MethodsPatients with major depressive disorder （n=335） hospitalized in Shandong Daizhuang Hospital from January 1， 2019 to April 30， 2023 were included， all of whom met the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases， tenth edition （ICD-10）. Depending on their disease condition， patients were subjected to either MECT in combination with drugs （n=141） or rTMS in combination with drugs （n=194） after admission. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Hamilton Depression Scale-24 item （HAMD-24） at the baseline and the end of the 1st， 2nd， 3rd and 4th week of treatment， and the adverse reactions were documented in patient's medical records. ResultsAnalysis of variance on HAMD-24 revealed a significant effect of time （F=3.081， P=0.042）， but no effect of group （F=1.023， P=0.313）， and the interaction effect between the time and the groups was not statistically significant （F=1.642， P=0.191）. No statistical difference was reported between two groups in response rate and full remission rate （P>0.05）. Throughout the course of treatment， 58 cases （41.13%） of recent memory impairment and 74 cases （52.48%） of headache or neck muscle pain occurred in MECT combined with drugs group， and 27 cases （13.92%） in rTMS combined with drugs group experienced headache or head skin discomfort. ConclusionAntidepressants in combination with rTMS or MECT show equivalent efficacy in the treatment of major depressive disorder， while rTMS combined with antidepressants demonstrates a superior safety profile compared to MECT.

To evaluate the awakening effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with chronic consciousness disturbance after brain injury based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy / 实用医学杂志

Objective Evaluation of the efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic disturbance of consciousness after severe craniocerebral injury based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Methods The clinical data of 106 patients with chronic disturbance of consciousness after severe craniocerebral injury from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into control group(conventional rehabilitation treatment)and observation group(high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment)by propensity score matching method(1∶1),with 53 cases in each group.Both groups were examined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)before and after treatment.The brain metabolic indexes[N-acetyl aspartate(NAA)/creatine(Cr)value,choline complex(Cho)/Cr value],Glasgow coma scale(GCS)score,electroencephalogram(EEG)grading,coma recovery scale(CRS-R)score,brainstem auditory evoked potential(BAEP)grading,upper limb sensory evoked potential(SSEP)grading and Cerebral blood flow perfusion index[cerebral blood volume(CBV),mean transit time(MTT),cerebral blood flow(CBF)]were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,the NAA/Cr values of the thalamus and brainstem in the two groups increased,while the Cho/Cr values decreased,and the levels of brain metabolic indexes in the observation group were signifi-cantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).The two groups'GCS score and CRS-R score increased,and the improvement of the observation group was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).The BAEP grading,EEG grading,and SSEP grading of the two groups improved,and those of the observation group were better than the control group(P<0.05).The CBF and CBV of the two groups increased,and MTT decreased,and the level of cere-bral blood perfusion index in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has a significant effect on the recovery of patients with chronic consciousness disorders after severe craniocerebral injury.The mechanism may be related to improving the blood flow velocity of brain tissue and metabolism in the brain.

Transcranial direct current stimulation at different targets for Parkinson's disease:a network Meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

OBJECTIVE:To systematically evaluate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation on the motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease,and to compare the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation at different targets on the motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease,so as to provide a theoretical basis for the target selection of transcranial direct current stimulation in clinical practice. METHODS:Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,VIP,WanFang Data were retrieved for randomized controlled trials on the improvement of motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease by transcranial direct current stimulation published from the database inception to January 2023.The keywords were"Parkinson,transcranial direct current stimulation"in English and Chinese.The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane 5.1.0 risk of bias assessment tool and the PEDro scale.Meta-analysis of outcome indicators was performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS:Fifteen randomized controlled trials were finally included,and the PEDro scale showed that all were high-quality or very high-quality studies.Meta-analysis showed that transcranial direct current stimulation significantly improved Unified-Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III score[mean difference(MD)=-2.49,95%confidence interval(CI):-4.42 to-0.55,P<0.05),step frequency score(MD=0.07,95%CI:0.03-0.11,P<0.05)and step speed score(MD=0.02,95%CI:0.00-0.05,P<0.05),but not for Berg Balance Scale scores(MD=2.57,95%CI:-0.74 to 5.87,P>0.05).Network Meta-analysis probability ranking:In terms of Unified-Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III scores,the probability ranking results of target stimulation efficacy were dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex(52.4%)>primary motor cortex(45.8%)>central point of the brain(1.8%)>conventional rehabilitation(0%);in terms of gait frequency scores,the probability probability ranking results of target stimulation efficacy were cerebellum(50.1%)>central point of the brain(45.8%)>dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex(3.9%)>primary motor cortex(0.2%)>conventional rehabilitation(0%);in terms of gait speed scores,the probability ranking results of target stimulation efficacy were cerebellum(64.8%)>dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex(23.8%)>central point of the brain(9.4%)>primary motor cortex(1.7%)>conventional rehabilitation(0.4%);in terms of Berg Balance Scale scores,the probability ranking results of target stimulation efficacy were cerebellum(77.4%)>dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex(20.7%)>central point of the brain(0.7%)>conventional rehabilitation(0.2%). CONCLUSION:Transcranial direct current stimulation significantly improves motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease,with better motor coordination in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and better walking and balance in the cerebellum.

Effects of transcranial magneto-acoustical stimulation on beta oscillations in neural circuits of healthy and Parkinson's disease rats / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Transcranial magneto-acoustical electrical stimulation(TMAES)is a non-invasive,high-precision neurofocused stimulation method based on magneto-acoustic coupling electrical effect,which can regulate the rhythmic oscillation of nerve activity,thereby affecting the brain's movement,cognition and other functions. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of TMAES on beta oscillations in the neural circuits of healthy rats and Parkinson's rats. METHODS:(1)Animal experiments:Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=6 per group).The rats in the normal control group received no intervention,while those in the normal stimulation group received TMAES(the average spatial peak pulse intensity:13.33 W/cm2,fundamental frequency:0.4 MHz,the number of fundamental wave cycles:1000,and pulse frequency:200 Hz).The model control group and model stimulation group were established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine.After successful modeling,the rats in the model control group received sham TMAES stimulation in the prefrontal cortex,and those in the model stimulation group received TMAES in the prefrontal cortex,and the duration of stimulation was 2.0 minutes per day.After an interval of 8-10 minutes,the local field potential signals of rats were collected during the execution of T-maze test and the correct rate of behavior was recorded at the same time to compare and analyze the time-frequency distribution of local field potential signals and behavioral differences among the groups.The stimulation experiment and T-maze test were stopped when the correct rate of rats was higher than 80%for 3 consecutive days.(2)Modeling and simulation experiments:The cortical-basal ganglion circuit model under TMAES was established,and the ultrasonic emission period(5,10,20 ms),ultrasonic emission duty cycle(30%,50%,90%)and induced current density(20,50,100 μA/cm2)were changed respectively to compare the power spectral density values of beta oscillations in healthy rats and Parkinson's rats under different stimulation parameters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Animal experiments:The spatial learning ability of the rats in the normal control group was stronger than that of the model control group(P＜0.001),the spatial learning ability of the rats in the normal stimulation group was stronger than that of the normal control group(P＜0.05),and the spatial learning ability of the rats in the model stimulation group was stronger than that of the model control group(P＜0.01).The distribution of beta oscillation energy in the normal control group was more concentrated,and the beta oscillation signal energy was reduced in the normal stimulation group compared with the normal control group.The beta oscillation energy was widely distributed and the energy value was significantly higher in the model control group and the model stimulation group than the normal control and normal stimulation groups.Moreover,the beta oscillation signal energy in the model stimulation group was significantly lower than that in the model control group.(2)Modeling and simulation experiments:the peak power spectral density of the beta band of healthy rats without stimulation(30 dB)was significantly lower than that of Parkinson's rats(55 dB).The power spectral density value generally decreased after stimulation.The peak power spectral density in the beta band was positively correlated with the ultrasonic emission period and negatively correlated with the induced current density.In addition,the peak power spectral density value was the lowest when the duty cycle of ultrasonic emission was 50%.These findings indicate that TMAES suppresses beta oscillations in healthy and Parkinson's disease rats,thereby improving motor function and decision-making cognitive function in rats.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on human single-leg landing stability / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS),as a non-invasive brain stimulation technique,can enhance human muscle strength or improve single-leg landing stability instantly,but no relevant research has demonstrated this yet. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of tDCS on the stability of single-leg landings in human subjects. METHODS:Male undergraduate students from Wuhan Sports University were recruited as study participants.They were divided into two groups,A(n=6)and B(n=5),using a random number table.Group A underwent a sham stimulation session followed by a 3-day washout period,after which they received tDCS.Conversely,Group B received tDCS initially,followed by a 3-day washout period,and subsequently underwent the sham stimulation session.Following the respective stimulation sessions,an immediate single-leg landing test was administered to assess and collect biomechanical parameters.Data resulting from the tDCS intervention were aggregated and analyzed as the experimental group dataset,whereas data stemming from the sham stimulation were consolidated as the control group dataset. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Regarding core stability,the tDCS intervention showed a significant interaction with landing height on the maximal trunk flexion angle(P＜0.05).A paired comparison of the data showed a significant decrease in the maximum trunk flexion angle following true stimulation compared to sham stimulation at a 30-cm landing height.Additionally,the tDCS intervention had a significant main effect on the maximum trunk lateral bending angle and the mean trunk lateral bending angular velocity(P＜0.05).Following true stimulation,there was a significant decrease in the maximum trunk lateral bending angle and the mean trunk lateral bending angular velocity compared to sham stimulation.In terms of lower limb joint stability,the tDCS intervention had a significant main effect on the maximum dynamic ankle valgus angle(P＜0.05).This resulted in a significant decrease in the angle following true stimulation compared to sham stimulation.In addition,the tDCS intervention had a significant main effect on the peak muscle activation of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius lateralis(P＜0.05).This showed a significant increase after true stimulation compared to sham stimulation.An interaction between the tDCS intervention and landing height was observed for the peak muscle activation of the tibialis anterior(P＜0.05).Paired comparison analyses revealed a significant increase in muscle activation after true stimulation specifically at a 60-cm landing height.Regarding center of pressure stability,there were no significant interactions or main effects of the tDCS intervention on the mean lateral displacement,mean lateral displacement velocity,mean anterior-posterior displacement,or mean anterior-posterior displacement velocity at the center of pressure(P＞0.05).Furthermore,the tDCS intervention had no significant main effects on any of the center of pressure indicators(P＞0.05).In conclusion,tDCS can immediately improve core stability and lower limb joint stability during single-leg landing,making it an effective warm-up technique for improving single-leg landing stability and reducing the risk of lower limb injuries.

Application of MRI-based image navigation and target selection in transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In clinical application,the therapeutic effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation depends on the ability to accurately target the areas of the brain that need to be stimulated.In recent years,with the development of neuronavigation systems,mobile augmented reality technology,and the new methods of processing magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)data,the accuracy of stimulus target localization and the optimization of target selection are expected to improve further. OBJECTIVE:To review the principle of MRI-based image navigation and its application in transcranial magnetic stimulation and summarize the roles of different modal MRI data analyses in guiding the selection of target areas for transcranial magnetic stimulation. METHODS:An online computer search for relevant literature was performed in PubMed,CNKI database and WanFang database,with the keywords"transcranial magnetic stimulation,coil positioning,neuronavigation,augmented reality,magnetic resonance,theory."Finally,63 documents were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Among the traditional methods of positioning transcranial magnetic stimulation coils,the"5 cm rule"and the international electroencephalogram 10-20 positioning method are the most commonly used.These methods have the advantages of simplicity and economy,but they rely too much on the operator's experience and there were technical differences between operators.The neuronavigation system,which is based on stereotactic technology,is the guiding method for positioning transcranial magnetic stimulation coils with the highest visual degree and accuracy.It achieves visual positioning through MRI data acquisition,3D brain reconstruction,head model registration and stereogeometric positioning.It has high application value in clinical treatment and scientific research,but it cannot be promoted in medical institutions due to its high cost.For various medical institutions,mobile augmented reality is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the neuronavigation system,which achieves visual positioning of brain tissue under the scalp through MRI data acquisition,2D/3D image construction,virtual image and real brain image superposition.It has the advantages of directly visualization and low cost,and is expected to be popularized and applied in primary medical units.Although the superiority of clinical efficacy of visual coil positioning over the electroencephalogram 10-20 localization strategy has not yet been fully demonstrated,with the progress of brain MRI data analysis,visual positioning is expected to further optimize the target selection strategy of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy and to improve the response rate and individuation degree of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.This is a promising and challenging research direction in the future.

Visual analysis of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation research / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In recent years,High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation(HD-tDCS)has garnered significant attention due to its potential non-invasive modulation of brain function.However,there is still a lack of visual analysis in the literature regarding this technique. OBJECTIVE:To perform a visual analysis of HD-tDCS-related research so as to explore the current status and trends in this field. METHODS:English literature related to HD-tDCS was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database covering the period from January 1,2010 to May 6,2023.The VOSviewer software was used to visualize and analyze the source journals,countries/regions,authors,institutions,cited references,and keywords of the included literature,creating a knowledge map to uncover the research landscape and hotspots. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 336 articles were included,showing a consistent increase in the annual publication count of HD-tDCS research.Among these,the United States contributed the highest number of publications(141 articles)with 4 221 citations,followed by China with 70 articles and 401 citations.Brain Stimulation was the most prolific journal(28 articles),Marom Bikson was the most productive author(37 articles),and The City College of New York was the most active institution(35 articles).The most frequently mentioned keywords in the field included motor cortex,regulation,working memory,excitability,and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.Notable recent keywords in the last 5 years include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,brain networks,and stimulation intensity.Currently,the volume of HD-tDCS research is relatively limited,but is on an upward trajectory,indicating substantial research potential.It is expected that future studies in this domain will continue to focus on the application of HD-tDCS in cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders,while also exploring its therapeutic mechanisms targeting the motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex based on brain network analysis.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) versus functional electrical stimulation (FES) in the treatment of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. Methods:The randomized controlled study included 60 patients with post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome who received treatment at the Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from July 2021 to February 2023. These patients were divided into an rTMS group ( n = 30) and an FES group ( n = 30) using a random number table method. Patients in the rTMS group were treated with rTMS, while those in the FES group were treated with FES. All treatments were performed once daily for 8 consecutive weeks. The clinical efficacy, total active movement score of the fingers, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score, Activity of Daily Living score, modified Barthel Index score, shoulder joint range of motion, and safety were compared between the two groups. Results:The total response rate in the FES group was 86.7% (26/30), which was significantly higher than 83.3% (25/30) in the rTMS group ( Z = 0.09, P = 0.93). After treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of total active movement score of the fingers and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score ( P = 0.244, 0.262). No significant differences were found between the two groups in MBI score and ADL score (both P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in shoulder joint range of motion between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Both rTMS and FES are highly effective for post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. They can improve upper limb function, enhance daily living abilities, and remodel neurological functions of the brain.

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and its effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).Methods:A total of 130 patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia who received treatment at The Third Hospital of Quzhou from March 2021 to March 2023 were included in this randomized controlled study. They were divided into a control group and a study group ( n = 65 per group). Both groups of patients were treated with antipsychotic drugs. Based on this, patients in the study group were treated with high-frequency rTMS, while those in the control group were treated with pseudo-rTMS. After 8 weeks of treatment, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) scores were evaluated in each group before and after treatment. Serum BDNF levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Adverse reactions were observed during the treatment. Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, the PANSS negative subscale score and SANS score in the study group were (16.45 ± 3.98) points and (35.41 ± 6.29) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than (20.08 ± 4.16) points and (41.76 ± 7.36) points in the control group ( t = -7.46, -6.85, both P < 0.05). PSP score in the study group was (66.85 ± 8.93) points, which was significantly higher than (58.79 ± 8.28) points in the control group ( t = 5.62, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in PANSS positive subscale score, general psychopathology scale score or total score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the serum BDNF level in the study group was (12.05 ± 2.13) μg/L, which was significantly higher than (8.86 ± 1.94) μg/L in the control group ( t = 9.73, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions during the treatment period between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Serum BDNF level was negatively correlated with PANSS and SANS scores ( r = -0.81, -0.85, both P < 0.001), while it was positively correlated with PSP score ( r = 0.82, P < 0.001). Conclusion:High-frequency rTMS can effectively alleviate the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, increase the secretion of BDNF, and be highly safe.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with transcranial alternating current stimulation on inflammatory-apoptotic genes expression of MCAO rats / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To establish right middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model in rats and to investigate the mechanism underlying motor function regulation by transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)intervention.Furthermore,to dynamically observe the effects of electroacupuncture combined with tACS on neurological defi-cit scores(NDS),cerebral blood flow,inflammatory-cell apoptosis gene of MCAO model rats and to explore the mechanism of cerebral and neural regulation on motor function rehabilitation after cerebral ischemia reperfusion. Method:Forty SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group(S group),model group(M group),electroacupuncture group(EA group),transcranial alternating current stimulation group(T group)and electroacupuncture combined with transcranial alternating current stimulation group(EA+T group).After 2 h ischemia-reperfusion,EA group was given bilateral Qu chi(LI 11)and Zu san li(ST 36)electroacupuncture under anesthesia.Right Ml was selected for tACS in T group.EA+T group was treated with EA and tACS to-gether.S and M group were treated with anesthesia for 30min per time,for 7 days.The data from before modling(B)to after modling(D7)were recorded,including neurological deficit score and blood flow of the right middle cerebral artery by laser doppler flowmetry.RT-PCR was used to analyze inflammation-cell apopto-sis gene expression at D7. Result:Neurological deficit score:at 2h,D1,M group,EA group,T group and EA+T group increased signifi-cantly compared with other time(P＜0.05).At D3,D5,D7,S group decreased significantly compared with oth-er time(P＜0.05),while M group increased significantly compared with other group(P＜0.05).EA group,T group and EA+T group were significantly different in all times(P＜0.05).At 2h,D1,D3,D5,D7,M group increased significantly compared with B.At D1,D3,D5,D7,NDS decreased significantly compared with that at 2h(P＜0.05).Blood flow:EA+T group and S group decreased at 2h,increased at D1 and decreased at D3.EA group increased at D3.However,M group decreased significantly compared with other group at D1,D3 and D5(P＜0.05).RT-PCR:motor cortex △Ct analysis:Caspase 12 in EA+T group decreased significantly compared with T group(P＜0.05),IL-1β and NLRPla in EA group and T group decreased significantly com-pared with those in S group(P＜0.05).2-△△Ct analysis in ischemic region:ATF4 in M group increased significant-ly compared with that in other groups(P＜0.05);Bcl 2 in M group increased significantly compared with that in S group,EA group and EA+T group(P＜0.05);Bax,Caspase 12,C-fos in M group increased significantly compared with those in S Group(P＜0.05). Conclusion:Electroacupuncture combined with tACS can modulate the inflammatory response and inhibit cell apoptosis through regulating ATF4、Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase 12、C-fos and can be a new strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Effects of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with rehabilitation robot on the recovery of hand dysfunction in stroke patients / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation com-bined with rehabilitation robot on hand dysfunction in stroke patients. Method:Totally 36 patients with stroke hand dysfunction treated in the Rehabilitation Department of Jinshan Hospital were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=18)and the control group(n=18).Both groups of patients received routine treatment.Both groups were treated with 1Hz repetitive transcranial magnet-ic stimulation on the unaffected side,and the experimental group was added by a hand function rehabilitation robot.Both groups were treated 5 times a week for 4 weeks.The assessment were evaluated before treatment,2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment,including the latency of cortical motor evoked potential(MEP),central motor conduction time(CMCT),Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA)score and motor intensity index(MI)score. Result:After 4 weeks of treatment,MEP,CMCT,FMA and MI of the two groups were significantly im-proved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.001).After 4 weeks of treatment,MEP,CMCT,FMA and MI in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group(P＜0.05). Conclusion:The contralateral low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with rehabilita-tion robot can significantly improve hand dysfunction in stroke patients.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on clinical symptoms and plasma MiR-125b,phos-phorylated Tau181 protein in patients with Alzheimer's disease / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on cognitive function,neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms,expression of plasma microRNA-125b(miR-125b)and phosphorylated Tau181 protein(P-Tau181)of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD). Method:Thirty-four patients with mild to moderate AD were screened and randomly divided into control group(n=16)and experimental group(n=18).The control group received cognitive training and repetitive tran-scranial magnetic pseudo-stimulation,and the experimental group received cognitive training and repetitive tran-scranial magnetic real stimulation.The magnetic stimulation intensity was 100％resting movement threshold(RMT),frequency was 10Hz.It's administered once a day,5 days a week for 4 weeks.The stimulation site were the left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe and left temporal lobe.The Addenbrooke Ⅲ cognitive examination(ACE-Ⅲ),mini-mental state scale(MMSE)and neuropsychiatric inventory(NPI)were evaluated before and af-ter treatment.The microRNA-125b expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and the concentration of P-Tau181 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Result:After treatment,the scores of ACE-Ⅲ,MMSE and NPI,miR-125b and P-Tau181 in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).There was no improvement of all indexes in the control group(P＞0.05). Conclusion:rTMS improve the cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with mild to mod-erate AD,which may be related to the promotion of plasma miR-125b expression and inhibition of P-Taul81 protein production by rTMS.It is worthy for clinical application.

Research progress in the treatment of speech disorders in patients with Parkinson disease by repetitive tran-scranial magnetic stimulation / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Up to 90%of patients with Parkinson disease(PD)experience speech disorders that seriously affect quality of life.The new progress has been made on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)in the clinical practice of treating speech disorders in patients with PD in recent years.The studies showed that applying rTMS to the orofacial region of the primary motor cortex(M1)and the superior temporal gyrus(STG)could safely and effectively improve speech function of patients with PD with no reported side effects.The underlying mechanism may relate to ability of rTMS to modulate the degree of excitability and functional connectivity in speech-associated cerebral cortices,such as M1 and STG.In conclusion,rTMS has exhibited encouraging outcomes in managing speech disorders in patients with PD.However,the number of studies is still insufficient and more large-scale randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are needed in the future to further support the findings of this review.