Qi Zihui, Liu Hao, Jin Fang, Wang Yihang, Lu Xuefeng, Liu Ling, Yang Zhengyi, Fan Lingzhong, Song Ming, Zuo Nianming, Jiang Tianzi
Beijing Key Laboratory of Brainnetome and Brain-Computer Interface, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Nat Commun. 2025 Mar 19;16(1):2731. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58095-9.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely used to treat various neuropsychiatric disorders and to explore the brain, but its considerable power consumption and large size limit its potential for broader utility, such as applications in free behaviors and in home and community settings. We addressed this challenge through lightweight magnetic core coil designs and high-power-density, high-voltage pulse driving techniques and successfully developed a battery-powered wearable rTMS device. The combined weight of the stimulator and coil is only 3 kg. The power consumption was reduced to 10% of commercial rTMS devices even though the stimulus intensity and repetition frequency are comparable. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this device during free walking, showing that neural activity associated with the legs can enhance the cortex excitability associated with the arms. This advancement allows for high-frequency rTMS modulation during free behaviors and enables convenient home and community rTMS treatments.
重复经颅磁刺激（rTMS）被广泛用于治疗各种神经精神疾病和探索大脑，但它相当大的功耗和体积限制了其更广泛应用的潜力，比如在自由行为以及家庭和社区环境中的应用。我们通过轻量化磁芯线圈设计和高功率密度、高压脉冲驱动技术应对了这一挑战，并成功开发出一种由电池供电的可穿戴rTMS设备。刺激器和线圈的总重量仅为3千克。即使刺激强度和重复频率相当，功耗也降低至商用rTMS设备的10%。我们在自由行走过程中证明了该设备的有效性，表明与腿部相关的神经活动能够增强与手臂相关的皮层兴奋性。这一进展使得在自由行为期间能够进行高频rTMS调制，并实现便捷的家庭和社区rTMS治疗。
