Enhancing functional motor outcomes in chronic stroke: A systematic review of the growing role of non-invasive brain stimulation

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) promotes functional recovery by enhancing neuroplasticity and reorganizing brain networks. It is hypothesized that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or intermittent θ-burst stimulation (i-TBS) as well as trans direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate synaptic connectivity, through magnetic or electric stimuli, directly on the brain area. This systematic review aims to address the lack of comprehensive syntheses focusing on the comparative effectiveness of NIBS techniques, including tDCS, rTMS, and iTBS, on distinct motor domains (upper limb, lower limb, and vocal/swallowing functions) in chronic stroke patients.