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A wearable repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation device

Author

Listed:
  • Zihui Qi

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hao Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Fang Jin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yihang Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xuefeng Lu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ling Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhengyi Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Xiaoxiang Institute for Brain Health and Yongzhou Central Hospital)

  • Lingzhong Fan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ming Song

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Xiaoxiang Institute for Brain Health and Yongzhou Central Hospital)

  • Nianming Zuo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Tianzi Jiang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Xiaoxiang Institute for Brain Health and Yongzhou Central Hospital)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Zihui Qi & Hao Liu & Fang Jin & Yihang Wang & Xuefeng Lu & Ling Liu & Zhengyi Yang & Lingzhong Fan & Ming Song & Nianming Zuo & Tianzi Jiang, 2025. "A wearable repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation device," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58095-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58095-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mark Hallett, 2000. "Transcranial magnetic stimulation and the human brain," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6792), pages 147-150, July.
    2. Elena Boto & Niall Holmes & James Leggett & Gillian Roberts & Vishal Shah & Sofie S. Meyer & Leonardo Duque Muñoz & Karen J. Mullinger & Tim M. Tierney & Sven Bestmann & Gareth R. Barnes & Richard Bow, 2018. "Moving magnetoencephalography towards real-world applications with a wearable system," Nature, Nature, vol. 555(7698), pages 657-661, March.
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