# Comparison of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and intermittent theta burst stimulation efficacy in treating post-stroke dysphagia: a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study

## TL;DR

This study compares two brain stimulation methods for treating swallowing issues after stroke and finds both are effective, with one being faster.

## Contribution

The study is the first to compare rTMS and iTBS for post-stroke dysphagia in a randomized controlled trial.

## Key findings

- Both rTMS and iTBS significantly improved swallowing function compared to routine rehabilitation alone.
- rTMS and iTBS showed equivalent efficacy in treating post-stroke dysphagia.
- iTBS achieved similar results to rTMS but with a shorter treatment duration.

## Abstract

To compare the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the motor cortex representation of the mylohyoid muscle in treating post-stroke dysphagia.

Ninety-two patients with post-stroke dysphagia (July 2022–May 2023) were randomized into three groups: rTMS (n = 31), iTBS (n = 30), and control (n = 31). The rTMS and iTBS groups received respective stimulations plus routine rehabilitation; the control group received routine rehabilitation alone. Swallowing function was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dysphagia Disability Index (DD).

After 2 weeks, all groups showed significant swallowing improvement (p < 0.001). Both rTMS and iTBS groups demonstrated greater improvement in PAS and DD scores versus controls (p < 0.001). No significant difference emerged between rTMS and iTBS efficacy (p > 0.05).

rTMS and iTBS equivalently improve post-stroke dysphagia. iTBS achieves comparable outcomes with shorter treatment duration, supporting its clinical adoption.

Identifier ChiCTR2200058246, https://www.chictr.org.cn/.