Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of theta burst stimulation (TBS) paradigm of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on executive function in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods 60 patients meeting DSM-IV for chronic schizophrenia disorders criteria were enrolled. They were randomly divided into TBS group (n=30) and sham intervention group (n=30). They were assessed with digit span performance, space span performance and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) before and 4 weeks after intervention. Results After intervention, the forward score of digit span performance, the total score and forward score of space span performance increased (P<0.05), the error selection percentage, the error selection number and the percentage of error number of WCST decreased, the percentage of conceptual level of WCST increased (P<0.05) in the TBS group. However, there was no significant difference in the digit span performance, space span performance and WSCT in the sham intervention group (P>0.05). There was significant difference in all the items between 2 groups after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion TBS paradigm of rTMS could improve the executive function in schizophrenic patients.

Key words: chronic schizophrenia, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulate, theta burst stimulation, executive function, psychiatric rehabilitation