AUTHOR=Lin Xinyu , Li Haojie , Wu Xie , Huang Rui 

TITLE=Effect of three rehabilitation methods combined with transcranial electromagnetic stimulation on post-stroke aphasia: a RCT network meta-analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1600065

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2025.1600065

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in China, where it affects younger populations. Aphasia, a common post-stroke disorder, impairs language skills and occurs in 30–40% of stroke patients. Neuromodulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promise in aphasia rehabilitation. Combining these methods with traditional treatments may improve recovery and shorten rehabilitation time. This study examines the effectiveness of these combined therapies in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) to inform clinical practice.MethodsSix databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, were systematically searched, and 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 376 stroke patients were finally included. The outcome indicators were aphasia and quality of life related indicators. Net meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 to assess the relative effectiveness of each combined intervention and to test the consistency of direct and indirect evidence.ResultsIn this study, a total of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 376 patients with stroke were included. For the primary outcome metrics, SLT was most effective in improving Naming (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI [0.16, 2.02], p < 0.05, [SUCRA] = 85.2). comprehensive speech and language therapy (CSLT) was most effective in improving Comprehension in stroke patients (SMD = 1.01, 95% CI [0.22, 1.80], p < 0.05, [SUCRA] = 84.5). CSLT (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI [0.07, 1.58], p < 0.05, [SUCRA] = 74.0) and SLT (SMD = 0.87, 95% CI [0.13, 1.61], p < 0.05, [SUCRA] = 76.4) better in improving Repetition in stroke patients.ConclusionSLT and CSLT can effectively improve aphasia in stroke patients. It is recommended to prioritize their application in clinical rehabilitation.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024611829.