A systematic review of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in aphasia rehabilitation: Leads for future studies

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive tool that induces neuromodulation in the brain. Several studies have shown rTMS improves language recovery patients with post-stroke aphasia. This systematic review summarizes role of aphasia rehabilitation. We searched MEDLINE via PubMed and Scopus on 30October, 2020, for English articles (1996–2020). Eligible involved rehabilitation rTMS. In some these studies, was also combined speech therapy. total, seven meta-analyses 59studies (23randomized clinical trials) were included this review. The methods used heterogeneous. Only six did not find had significant effect performance. evidence from peer-reviewed literature suggests an effective However, precise mechanisms underlie effects reorganization networks who stroke remain unclear. discuss crucial challenges context future studies.