AUTHOR=Li Fang , Cheng Jinling , Zhu Yanying , Peng Yang , Liu Zicai 

TITLE=Comparison of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and intermittent theta burst stimulation efficacy in treating post-stroke dysphagia: a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1650216

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2025.1650216

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the motor cortex representation of the mylohyoid muscle in treating post-stroke dysphagia.MethodsNinety-two patients with post-stroke dysphagia (July 2022–May 2023) were randomized into three groups: rTMS (n = 31), iTBS (n = 30), and control (n = 31). The rTMS and iTBS groups received respective stimulations plus routine rehabilitation; the control group received routine rehabilitation alone. Swallowing function was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dysphagia Disability Index (DD).ResultsAfter 2 weeks, all groups showed significant swallowing improvement (p < 0.001). Both rTMS and iTBS groups demonstrated greater improvement in PAS and DD scores versus controls (p < 0.001). No significant difference emerged between rTMS and iTBS efficacy (p > 0.05).ConclusionrTMS and iTBS equivalently improve post-stroke dysphagia. iTBS achieves comparable outcomes with shorter treatment duration, supporting its clinical adoption.Clinical trial registrationIdentifier ChiCTR2200058246, https://www.chictr.org.cn/.