Combining electroacupuncture with rTMS to improve movement after stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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
• Email: taojing01@fjtcm.edu.cn
• Phone: (+86)0591-22861227

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.