Table 2 Subgroup analysis of NIBS variables affecting reduction in alcohol craving severity

Types of NIBS

 tDCS

12

-0.214 (-0.427 to -0.002)^*

15.4%

 TMS

10

-0.202 (-0.489 to 0.086)

36.1%

Site of stimulation

 dlPFC

17

-0.200 (-0.381 to -0.019)^*

13.0%

 Other sites

5

-0.229 (-0.687 to 0.230)

53.4%

Number of sessions

 Single-session

11

-0.020 (-0.206 to 0.166)

0.0%

 Multiple sessions

11

-0.388 (-0.620 to -0.156)^*

12.5%

Time point of craving assessment

 After stimulation

18

-0.126 (-0.291 to 0.038)

0.0%

 Follow up for at least 4 weeks

4

-0.553 (-0.979 to -0.126)^*

35.1%

Study design

 Parallel or factorial design

16

-0.311 (-0.520 to -0.101)^*

19.6%

 Cross-over design

6

0.007 (-0.209 to 0.224)

0.0%

Quality assessment

 Low risk of bias

6

-0.160 (-0.450 to 0.129)

0.0%

 Unclear or high risk of bias

16

-0.233 (-0.443 to -0.023)^*

32.6%