Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Increased functional connectivity one week after motor learning and tDCS in stroke patients
Stéphanie Lefebvre1, Laurence Dricot2, Patrice Laloux1
1Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), CHU UCL Namur, Neurology Department, Stoke Unit & NeuroModulation Unit (NeMU), Avenue Dr G. Therasse, Yvoir 5530, Belgium; Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), Brussels, Belgium.
Dual transcranial direct current stimulation (dual-tDCS) combined with motor learning enhanced functional connectivity (FC) in the somatomotor network of stroke survivors. This improvement in brain network activity persisted for one week post-intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Changes in functional connectivity (FC) after stroke, measured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), are linked to patient recovery.
- The primary motor cortices (M1) are crucial for motor control, and their connectivity may be a target for stroke rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if combining motor learning with dual transcranial direct current stimulation (dual-tDCS) over M1 modulates FC in chronic stroke patients.
- To assess the effects of dual-tDCS on the somatomotor network's functional connectivity compared to sham stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two chronic hemiparetic stroke patients underwent baseline rs-fMRI.
- Participants received either dual-tDCS or sham stimulation during a motor skill learning session in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design.
- rs-fMRI scans were acquired at baseline, one week after sham, and one week after dual-tDCS to evaluate FC changes.
Main Results:
- No significant FC changes were observed in the somatomotor network between baseline and sham sessions.
- A significant increase in FC within the somatomotor network was detected one week after dual-tDCS compared to baseline (qFDR <0.05).
- Seed-based analysis revealed that dual-tDCS shifted the strongest FC from the undamaged M1-PMd connection to the damaged M1-PMd connection.
Conclusions:
- A single session of dual-tDCS combined with motor skill learning effectively increases FC in the somatomotor network of chronic stroke patients.
- The observed increase in FC, particularly involving the damaged hemisphere's motor regions, suggests a potential mechanism for enhancing motor recovery after stroke.
