{"title":"The effect of theta burst stimulation (TBS) on aphasia in stroke patients: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Hong-Juan Fu, Yong Tang, Xin-Ru Wen, Wen-Qian Zhao, Yi-Qiu Gao, Chen Huang, Li-Hong Zeng, Shu-Hao Zhang, Juan Li, Guan-Chao Zuo","doi":"10.1186/s13643-025-02823-1","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prior studies have 3suggested that theta burst stimulation (TBS) may be a promising intervention for the rehabilitation of aphasia after stroke. However, the results of these investigations have been inconsistent, with no definitive consensus on its efficacy and safety. Given the inconclusive nature of the existing evidence, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review to evaluate the therapeutic effects of TBS on aphasia in stroke patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We will perform an extensive search of eight online databases from their inception to August 1, 2024, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the impact of TBS on aphasia in stroke patients. The primary outcome will be the severity of aphasia, assessed using a suite of standardized evaluation tools. Secondary outcomes will include measures of naming, repetition, comprehension, spontaneous speech, aphasia quotient, quality of life, and documentation of adverse events. The review process will involve rigorous study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and evaluation of the certainty of evidence by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) software, version 5.3. If significant heterogeneity is not detected among the studies, a meta-analysis will be performed. Otherwise, a narrative qualitative summary will be provided. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study will be the first systematic review to comprehensively synthesize the existing evidence regarding the application of TBS in the treatment of aphasia in stroke patients. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers, facilitating the development of more equitable and high-quality healthcare services for this patient population.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>PROSPERO CRD42024521347.</p>","PeriodicalId":22162,"journal":{"name":"Systematic Reviews","volume":"14 1","pages":"75"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959958/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Systematic Reviews","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02823-1","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Prior studies have 3suggested that theta burst stimulation (TBS) may be a promising intervention for the rehabilitation of aphasia after stroke. However, the results of these investigations have been inconsistent, with no definitive consensus on its efficacy and safety. Given the inconclusive nature of the existing evidence, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review to evaluate the therapeutic effects of TBS on aphasia in stroke patients.
Methods: We will perform an extensive search of eight online databases from their inception to August 1, 2024, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the impact of TBS on aphasia in stroke patients. The primary outcome will be the severity of aphasia, assessed using a suite of standardized evaluation tools. Secondary outcomes will include measures of naming, repetition, comprehension, spontaneous speech, aphasia quotient, quality of life, and documentation of adverse events. The review process will involve rigorous study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and evaluation of the certainty of evidence by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) software, version 5.3. If significant heterogeneity is not detected among the studies, a meta-analysis will be performed. Otherwise, a narrative qualitative summary will be provided. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system.
Discussion: This study will be the first systematic review to comprehensively synthesize the existing evidence regarding the application of TBS in the treatment of aphasia in stroke patients. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers, facilitating the development of more equitable and high-quality healthcare services for this patient population.
期刊介绍:
Systematic Reviews encompasses all aspects of the design, conduct and reporting of systematic reviews. The journal publishes high quality systematic review products including systematic review protocols, systematic reviews related to a very broad definition of health, rapid reviews, updates of already completed systematic reviews, and methods research related to the science of systematic reviews, such as decision modelling. At this time Systematic Reviews does not accept reviews of in vitro studies. The journal also aims to ensure that the results of all well-conducted systematic reviews are published, regardless of their outcome.