Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Optimizing recovery potential through simultaneous occupational therapy and non-invasive brain-stimulation using
Dinesh G Nair1, Vijay Renga, Robert Lindenberg
1Department of Neurology, Neuroimaging and Stroke Recovery Laboratories, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Combining cathodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with occupational therapy (OT) significantly improved motor function and range-of-motion in chronic stroke survivors. This combined approach reduced inhibitory influences from the unaffected brain hemisphere, promoting better recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Stroke recovery is often limited by inhibitory influences from the contralesional motor cortex.
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) shows potential for modulating brain activity and improving motor function post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of combining cathodal tDCS with occupational therapy (OT) for enhancing motor recovery in chronic stroke patients.
- To determine if this combined intervention yields greater and longer-lasting functional benefits compared to sham stimulation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study was conducted on chronic stroke patients.
- Participants received either 5 consecutive days of cathodal tDCS (30 minutes) plus OT or sham tDCS plus OT.
Main Results:
- Cathodal tDCS + OT significantly improved upper extremity Range-of-Motion and Fugl-Meyer scores compared to sham.
- Functional improvements persisted for at least one week post-intervention.
- Motor outcome improvements correlated with reduced fMRI activation in the stimulated contralesional motor region.
Conclusions:
- Combining cathodal tDCS with OT offers a significant therapeutic benefit for motor recovery after stroke.
- The intervention likely works by reducing interhemispheric inhibition from the contralesional to the lesional motor cortex.
