High-frequency rTMS over supplementary motor or primary motor cortex on reach-to-grasp in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled trial.
Supplementary motor area stimulation improved selected reach-to-grasp planning and coordination measures immediately after one session. The study does not show whether benefits last or translate into daily function.
Thanakamchokchai J, Saengphatrachai W, Khacharoen S, Phuegsilp P, Srivanitchapoom P, Pitakpatapee Y, Pakaprot N, Fisher BE, Tretriluxana J.
Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology · Publication date: 2026-09-11
Added to site: 2026-09-18
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2026.2112404
First electronic publication date verified in PubMed and Europe PMC; indexed September 17, 2026.
- Modalities
- rTMS, TMS
- Clinical focus
- Parkinson's disease, Motor planning, Reach-to-grasp
- Population
- People with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease
- Sample
- 36 participants; 9 per group
- Intervention / method
- One 20-minute session of 10-Hz high-frequency rTMS over supplementary motor area, primary motor cortex, both sites or sham
- Comparator
- Sham stimulation and active comparisons across supplementary motor area, primary motor cortex and combined targeting
Clinician summary
SMA stimulation improved association time lag in the non-barrier condition and produced superior planning gains versus sham across conditions. Execution did not differ significantly between groups, and combined stimulation offered no additive benefit.
How to interpret the findings
Each group contained nine participants, only immediate single-session effects were tested, and the accessible abstract does not report adverse events, longer follow-up or equipment details. Within-group execution changes should not be mistaken for between-group benefit.
Equipment and disclosures
The stimulation device, coil model and dose relative to motor threshold were not specified in the accessible abstract.
The authors declared no known competing financial interests or personal relationships. Funding was not available in the checked indexed record.
Related evidence
Compare findings from the same clinical area, including mixed results.
- Anisotropic conductivity modeling for tDCS in Parkinson’s disease using multidimensional diffusion MRI · Positive with limitations
- Noninvasive brain stimulation for motor function and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis · Positive with limitations
- Explorative investigation on effects of multi-day neurofeedback with implanted electrodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. · Mixed
- Subthalamic DBS Engages Right-lateralized Frontal Control to Improve Gait Adaptation in Parkinson's Disease. · Positive with limitations
Summary prepared with AI assistance. Source verification does not imply an independent replication or a clinician's endorsement. Read our review method.