Multifocal theta-burst stimulation to boost arm recovery 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

The study delivers neuronavigated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) sequentially to the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex and superior parietal lobule, paired with tablet-based upper limb exercises, and compares active stimulation to sham. Eligible participants are adults at least six months after a first unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with moderate residual arm weakness (FMA-UE 29–57). The intervention aims to enhance parietal–motor network functional connectivity to promote neuroplasticity and motor relearning. Outcomes focus on changes in upper-limb function following the combined neuromodulation and training program.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

For Stroke Participants:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* First-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
* Time since stroke ≥ 6 months
* Unilateral upper limb hemiparesis
* Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score between 29 and 57
* Modified Ashworth Scale score \< 2 at elbow, wrist, or finger flexors
* Manual muscle testing ≥ 3/5 in proximal upper limb muscles (deltoid, biceps, triceps, wrist pronators/supinators)
* Ability to understand and follow study procedures
* Provided written informed consent

For Healthy Participants:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* No history of neurological disease
* Ability to understand and follow study procedures
* Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

For Stroke Participants:

* Second stroke occurring during the study period
* Botulinum toxin injection within 3 months prior to study start
* History of one or more epileptic seizures
* Metallic object near the stimulation site
* Implanted electronic or metallic devices (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator) incompatible with TMS
* Severe comorbid conditions affecting the upper limb (traumatic, rheumatologic, osteoarticular, or neurodegenerative disorders)
* Pregnancy
* Delirium or impaired vigilance
* Inability to participate in one-hour treatment sessions
* Inability to comply with study procedures (e.g., language barrier, psychological disorder, dementia)
* Current or past substance abuse, including excessive alcohol consumption
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days prior to enrollment

For Healthy Participants:

* Severe musculoskeletal or neurological condition affecting the non-dominant upper limb
* Pregnancy
* Delirium or impaired vigilance
* Inability to participate in one-hour treatment sessions
* Inability to comply with study procedures
* Current or past substance abuse, including excessive alcohol consumption
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days prior to enrollment

Where it's running

• University School of Health ▪ HES-SO Genève
  Carouge, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Pierre Nicolo, PhD
• Email: pierre.nicolo@hesge.ch
• Phone: +41792633543

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Theta burst stimulation to the right inferior frontal gyrus for autism

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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.