Theta burst stimulation for enhancing upper extremity motor functions after stroke: a systematic review of clinical and mechanistic evidence.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of different theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols on improving upper extremity motor functions in patients with stroke, their associated modulators of efficacy, and the underlying neural mechanisms. We conducted a meta-analytic review of 29 controlled trials published from January 1, 2000, to August 29, 2023, which investigated the effects of TBS on upper extremity motor, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging outcomes in poststroke patients. TBS significantly improved upper extremity motor impairment (Hedge's  = 0.