Acupuncture + Neuromodulation for Post-Stroke Aphasia

The aim of this clinical trial is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia and to explore the brain mechanisms involved. The study seeks to answer two primary questions: the effectiveness of the integrated intervention of acupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on post-stroke aphasia, and the mechanisms underlying language function impairment and recovery.

The research is divided into two parts:

Part One:

Participants will be randomized into two groups:

Group A: Receives low-frequency rTMS followed by high-frequency rTMS. Group B: Receives high-frequency rTMS followed by low-frequency rTMS.

Part Two:

Participants will be randomized into four groups:

rTMS Experimental Group: Individualized targets and intervention methods based on integrated fMRI and behavioral data. The rTMS intervention involves continuous treatment for two weeks, 5 sessions per week, each lasting 10-25 minutes, at 80% of the active motor threshold (AMT).

rTMS Control Group: Standard rTMS protocol guided by clinical recommendations, with continuous treatment for two weeks, 5 sessions per week, each 20 minutes, at 80% AMT.

Electroacupuncture Group: Points include Speech Area 1 (Yan Yu Yi Qu 1), Speech Area 2 (Yan Yu Yi Qu 2), Fengchi (Fengchi, GB20), Tiantu (Tiantu, CV22), Tongli (Tongli, HT5), Lianquan (Lianquan, CV23), and Paralianquan (Pang Lianquan). After needle insertion and obtaining Qi, electrical stimulation is applied with a discontinuous wave at 2Hz, at a tolerable intensity for the patient, for 30 minutes each session.

Combined rTMS and Electroacupuncture Group: Combines both intervention methods as described above.