Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (8): 979-986.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.08.015

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Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augmentation on group cognitive training for high-functioning autism spectrum disorder comorbided with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and electrophysiological mechanisms

QIU Aizhen1, WANG Min1, WANG Qiushuang2, WU Ye1, BAO Kexiu1()   

  1. 1. Department of Rehabilitation, the Affiliated Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
    2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
  • Received:2025-04-14 Revised:2025-07-28 Published:2025-08-25 Online:2025-09-01
  • Supported by:
    Xuzhou City Key Research and Development Program (Social Development) General Medicine and Health Project(KC22197);Research Project of the Health Commission of Jiangsu Province(Z2023002)

Abstract:

Objective To examine the effect and electrophysiological mechanism of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) augmentated to group cognitive training (GCT) on children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comorbided with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods From March to December, 2023, 70 children diagnosed with ASD+ADHD were recruited from the Affiliated Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and partnering special education centers. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 35) and experimental group (n = 35). Both groups received standardized GCT, twice a week, for ten weeks. During the same period, the control group received sham stimulation, while the experimental group additionally received 1 Hz rTMS over the right temporoparietal junction at 80% of resting motor threshold, five times a week, for ten weeks. Core symptoms were assessed before and after treatment with the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and Conners Parent Rating Scale-3 (CPRS-3) attention-deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity subscales. Resting-state EEG was simultaneously recorded to obtain θ and β power spectral density (PSD) and the θ/β ratio at Fz, Cz and Pz.

Results Two cases in the control group and one in the experimental group dropped down. After treatment, SRS-2 scores (|Z| > 4.876, P < 0.001) and RBS-R scores (|Z| > 4.329, P< 0.001) decreased in both groups. CPRS-3 attention-deficit scores (|Z| > 4.940, P < 0.001) and hyperactivity/impulsivity scores (|t| > 16.273, P < 0.001) decreased in both groups, and they were lower in the experimental group (Z = 4.732, P < 0.001; t = -3.169, P < 0.01). In the experimental group, Fz θ-PSD decreased significantly (Z = -4.830, P < 0.001), and it was lower than that in the control group (Z = -2.609, P = 0.009); and the θ/β ratio likewise fell (t = 4.754, P < 0.001), and it was lower than that in the control group (t = -2.256, P = 0.027).

Conclusion Adding rTMS to GCT can further alleviate attention deficits and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in children with ASD comorbided with ADHD, which may associate with the inhibit of power of θ wave in profrontal contex.

Key words: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, group cognitive training, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

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