Key Finding
This protocol aims to determine whether adding PC6 magnetic stimulation to left DLPFC rTMS provides superior cognitive improvement compared to acupuncture or sham control in post-stroke cognitive impairment patients.
Researchers are studying a new approach to help stroke survivors experiencing memory and thinking problems. After a stroke, many people develop cognitive impairment, which affects their ability to remember, focus, and perform daily activities. While brain stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over a specific brain region has shown some benefit, the results have been limited.
This clinical trial will test whether adding magnetic stimulation to an acupuncture point called Neiguan (PC6), located on the inner forearm, can improve outcomes when combined with standard brain stimulation therapy. The study will enroll 105 stroke patients and divide them into three groups: one receiving brain stimulation plus PC6 magnetic stimulation, another receiving brain stimulation plus traditional needle acupuncture at PC6, and a control group receiving brain stimulation plus fake magnetic stimulation at PC6.
Patients will receive treatment five times weekly for three weeks. Researchers will measure improvements in cognitive function, daily living abilities, mood, anxiety, and sleep quality. They'll also use advanced brain imaging techniques to understand how these treatments affect brain networks involved in thinking and memory.
This is a protocol study, meaning the research is planned but results aren't yet available. If successful, it could demonstrate that combining acupuncture point stimulation with brain stimulation provides better cognitive recovery than brain stimulation alone. This would offer stroke survivors a non-medication option to improve their mental function and quality of life. The findings could help establish magnetic acupoint stimulation as a valuable addition to stroke rehabilitation programs. If you're considering acupuncture for stroke recovery, work with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in neurological conditions.
This three-arm RCT protocol will evaluate adjunctive PC6 magnetic stimulation with left DLPFC rTMS for post-stroke cognitive impairment. The study will randomize 105 PSCI patients (1:1:1) to receive 10 Hz rTMS at 80% RMT combined with either: (1) PC6 magnetic stimulation, (2) traditional PC6 acupuncture, or (3) sham PC6 magnetic stimulation. Treatment consists of 5 sessions weekly for 3 weeks. Primary outcome is MoCA score change at week 3; secondary outcomes include MMSE, MBI, HAMA, HAMD, and PSQI. Neuroimaging via fMRI and fNIRS will assess brain network remodeling pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis will employ repeated measures ANOVA with correlation analyses between clinical scores and neuroimaging parameters. This study aims to establish first RCT evidence for acupoint magnetic stimulation in PSCI and elucidate mechanisms of cognitive network modulation through multimodal neuroimaging, potentially accelerating non-pharmacological intervention translation for stroke rehabilitation.
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