Under construction – not a live service
Sign in
Not yet taking people in ChinaNo phase

Scalp acupuncture with rTMS for arm movement after stroke

Compares scalp acupuncture plus rTMS with rTMS alone in adults with stroke-related arm weakness.

Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Scalp Acupuncture Combined With rTMS for Upper Limb Motor Dysfunction in Stroke: A Brain Network Study

Key facts

Where
Hangzhou, ChinaSee the site

AI summary: who the study is looking for

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults aged 18-70 who had a first stroke 1-6 months ago and have arm movement problems. It tests scalp acupuncture with magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Age
18-70 years
Sex
All sexes
Disease stage
First stroke, 1-6 months ago, with arm movement problems at Brunnstrom stage II to IV. Vital signs stable, no worsening nerve symptoms.
Biomarker or test result
Mini-Mental State Examination score of 20 points or more.

Main reasons for not taking part

  • Severe visual impairment, neglect of one side of space, or body image disorder
  • Metal implants, cardiac pacemaker or skull defect that prevent rTMS
  • History of brain tumor, brain trauma or epilepsy, or risk of seizures
  • Arm movement problems caused by something other than stroke
  • Severe hearing impairment or cannot cooperate with the tests

Read by machine on 12 November 2026.

Could this be for you?

Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.

  • Are you between 18 and 70 years old?

Source: NCT07210944, who can take part

Where in China

  • the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou, ChinaContact: Debiao KongNo longer taking part

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

Print a page for my doctor

Trial details

Who runs it
Debiao Kong
Trial code
NCT07210944
Record updated
19 November 2025
Original description
This study aims to compare the improvement effects of the rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy group with the rTMS combined with scalp acupuncture and conventional rehabilitation therapy group. Through statistical analysis of the results obtained from functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology during task states, the investigators elucidate the neuroregulatory mechanism of scalp acupuncture combined with rTMS in improving upper limb motor function in stroke patients under MEP localization, and provide evidence for a more optimal rehabilitation program for post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction.Read full original descriptionShow less

Research Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Brain Network Study of Upper Limb Motor Dysfunction in Stroke Patients Treated With Scalp Acupuncture Combined With rTMS

This study aims to compare the improvement effects of the rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy group with the rTMS combined with scalp acupuncture and conventional rehabilitation therapy group. Through statistical analysis of the results obtained from functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology during task states, the investigators elucidate the neuroregulatory mechanism of scalp acupuncture combined with rTMS in improving upper limb motor function in stroke patients under MEP localization, and provide evidence for a more optimal rehabilitation program for post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction.

Inclusion: Meet the diagnostic criteria for stroke (symptoms and signs, imaging indicators, etc.), and are independently diagnosed by two deputy chief physicians; Age 18-70 years old, first episode, duration 1-6 months; The diagnostic criteria for upper limb dysfunction align with the Brunnstrom staging system: patients in Brunnstrom stages II to IV. Stage II: patients exhibit associative responses and can perform coordinated movements, with minimal voluntary movements; Stage III: patients show voluntary coordinated movements, such as grasping with the hand but not extending; Stage IV: patients can perform isolated movements, such as pinching with the hand and limited extension; No severe visual or hearing impairment, able to cooperate with relevant assessments and tests; The score of the Mini-Mental State Examination is ≥20 points; Vital signs are stable, with no signs of progressive neurological symptoms; The patient or legal guardian agrees and signs the informed consent form.

Exclusion: Previous history of brain tumor, brain trauma, epilepsy, and risk of epileptic seizures; Severe visual impairment, hemispatial neglect, body image disorder; Individuals who cannot undergo rTMS treatment due to reasons such as metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, or skull defects; Any other factors that affect assessment and treatment; Dysfunction of limb movement caused by other reasons (such as trauma, etc.).

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07210944