Combining electroacupuncture with rTMS to improve movement after stroke

Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture Combined With rTMS on Motor Function Recovery After Stroke: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

This study will test whether adding electroacupuncture to rTMS helps adults 2 weeks to 6 months after a first unilateral stroke improve their motor function.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 180 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (other)
• Locations: 3 sites (Fuzhou, Fujian and 2 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07113990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized controlled trial compares active electroacupuncture plus active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to sham electroacupuncture plus active rTMS in people with recent unilateral stroke. Participants aged 40–75 with moderate motor impairment (Brunnstrom II–IV) receive a standardized rTMS program alongside either real or sham peripheral electrostimulation. Outcomes include clinical motor scales (Fugl-Meyer, ARAT, FAC), kinematic measures, electrophysiology (EEG, EMG, TMS), blood biomarkers, and resting-state fMRI to probe neuroplasticity. The design aims to determine whether combining central (rTMS) and peripheral (EA) stimulation produces greater functional gains and related neurophysiologic changes than rTMS with sham EA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 40–75 with a first unilateral stroke 2 weeks to 6 months earlier and moderate motor impairment who can follow instructions and give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe spasticity, major cognitive or language deficits, epilepsy, metallic implants or MRI contraindications, non‑vascular motor causes, pregnancy, or those unable to tolerate TMS/EA are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could produce faster or larger improvements in arm and leg movement after stroke by enhancing central–peripheral neuroplasticity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials show rTMS can aid post-stroke motor recovery and some smaller studies support electroacupuncture, but well-controlled trials combining both approaches are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT/MRI).
* First-ever stroke, unilateral hemispheric lesion, related to motor dysfunction.
* Age between 40 and 75 years.
* Duration from stroke onset between 2 weeks and 6 months.
* Brunnstrom stage II-IV.
* Right-handed.
* Able to understand instructions and voluntarily provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of epilepsy or familial epilepsy.
* Motor dysfunction due to non-vascular causes (e.g., tumor, trauma).
* Severe aphasia or cognitive impairment (MoCA \< 18).
* Severe systemic complications (e.g., severe organ dysfunction, deep vein thrombosis).
* Presence of metallic implants or contraindications for MRI.
* Severe anxiety (HAMA \> 7) or depression (HAMD \> 8).
* Severe spasticity (modified Ashworth ≥ 2).
* Fear or intolerance of TMS or electroacupuncture.
* Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or concurrent participation in other clinical trials affecting outcomes.

Where this trial is running

Fuzhou, Fujian and 2 other locations

• Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital — Fuzhou, Fujian, China (RECRUITING)
• Fujian Provincial People's Hospital — Fuzhou, Fujian, China (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine — Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jing Tao, PhD

Conditions: Stroke, Electroacupuncture, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Stroke Rehabilitation, Motor Function, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial