Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this review was to systematically assess the effectiveness of 10-Hz
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in fibromyalgia.
Data Sources
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Ovid databases as
of November 6, 2021.
Study Selection
The inclusion criteria for this review were randomized controlled trials of 10-Hz
rTMS for fibromyalgia, exploring the effects of 10-Hz rTMS on pain, depression, and
quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Data Extraction
Data extraction was performed independently by 2 evaluators according to predefined
criteria, and the quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane
Bias Risk Assessment Tool. The measurement outcomes include visual analog scale, Hamilton
Depression Rating Scale, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and so on.
Data Synthesis
A total of 488 articles were screened, and the final 7 selected high-quality articles
with 217 patients met our inclusion criteria. Analysis of the results showed that
high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation at 10 Hz was significantly associated
with reduced pain compared with sham stimulation in controls (standardized mean difference
[SMD]=−0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.12 to −0.33; P<.001; I2=46%) and was able to improve quality of life (SMD=−0.70; 95% CI, −1.00 to −0.40;
P<.001; I2=15%) but not improve depression (SMD=−0.23; 95% CI, −0.50 to 0.05; P=.11; I2=33%). In addition, a subgroup analysis of pain conducted based on stimulation at
the primary motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed no significant
difference (SMD=−0.72; 95% CI, −1.12 to −0.33; P=.10; I2=62%).
Conclusions
Overall, 10-Hz rTMS has a significant effect on analgesia and improved quality of
life in patients with FMS but did not improve depression.
Keywords
List of abbreviations:
BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), BPI (Brief Pain Inventory), CI (confidence interval), DLPFC (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), FIQ (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome), HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), M1 (primary motor cortex), rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), SMD (standardized mean difference), VAS (visual analog scale)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: May 27, 2022
Accepted:
May 3,
2022
Received in revised form:
April 29,
2022
Received:
February 16,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofFootnotes
Disclosures: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
