Ipsilesional anodal tDCS enhances the functional benefits of rehabilitation in patients after stroke.

ABSTRACT: Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can boost the effects of motor training and facilitate plasticity in the healthy human brain. Motor rehabilitation depends on learning and plasticity, and motor learning can occur after stroke. We tested whether brain stimulation using anodal tDCS added to motor training could improve rehabilitation outcomes in patients after stroke. We performed a randomized, controlled trial in 24 patients at least 6 months after a first unilateral stroke not directly involving the primary motor cortex. Patients received either anodal tDCS (n= 11) or sham treatment (n= 13) paired with daily motor training for 9 days. We observed improvements that persisted for at least 3 months post-intervention after anodal tDCS compared to sham treatment on the Acti

SUBMITTER: Allman C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5388180 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature