Effect of cerebellar vermis intermittent theta-burst stimulation on balance function in frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: With the increasing population of frail older adults, their compromised balance functions pose risks of falls and mortality. Effectively enhancing balance function could mitigate adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on balance function in frail older adults. METHODS: Fourty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to receive iTBS and sham stimulation in a randomized control trial design over a period of 4 weeks. Before and after intervention, related balance evaluation data was collected, including berg balance scale (BBS) score, Time-up and go (TUG) test, Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Limit of Stability (LOS) data obtained through the Balance Master system. Additionally, cortical activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), fNIRS was used as an exploratory neuroimaging measure. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 45 subjects (mean [SD] age, 67.69 [8.16] years; 33 females [73.7%]) completed the trial were enrolled and randomized to receive iTBS (n = 23) or sham stimulation (n = 22). After intervention, the BBS (p