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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

The Combined Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Therapy for the Upper Limb

The Combined Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Therapy for the Upper Limb

Published on: September 23, 2018

Effects on decreasing upper-limb poststroke muscle tone using transcranial direct current stimulation: a randomized

Dongyu Wu¹, Long Qian, Richard D Zorowitz

¹Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. wudongyu73@yahoo.com.cn

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

|August 11, 2012

Summary

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effectively reduces upper-limb muscle tone after stroke. This therapy, combined with physical therapy, significantly improves motor function and daily living activities in stroke survivors.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Rehabilitation Medicine
Medical Devices

Background:

Stroke frequently results in upper-limb spasticity, impacting motor function and independence.
Current treatments for post-stroke spasticity have limitations in efficacy and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing upper-limb muscle tone post-stroke.
To assess the impact of tDCS on motor recovery and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled trial involving 90 inpatients with post-stroke upper-limb spasticity.
Participants received either active cathodal tDCS or sham stimulation over the primary sensorimotor cortex for 4 weeks, alongside conventional physical therapy.
Outcomes measured included muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), and ADL (Barthel Index).

Main Results:

The active tDCS group showed significantly higher rates of clinically important differences in muscle tone reduction compared to the sham group (80-84% vs 4-9%).
Significant improvements in upper-limb motor function and ADL were observed in the active tDCS group compared to the control group (P<.01).
No adverse effects were reported, indicating good tolerability of the tDCS intervention.

Conclusions:

Cathodal tDCS is effective in decreasing upper-limb muscle tone following stroke.
Combining tDCS with conventional physical therapy enhances motor function and ADL performance in stroke survivors.
tDCS may modulate sensorimotor cortex activity, offering a promising therapeutic approach for post-stroke spasticity.