Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Cognition in Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial
Myoung-Hwan Ko1,2,3, Ju-Yul Yoon1,2, Yun-Ju Jo3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea (M.-H.K., J.-Y.Y., D.-S.K., G.-W.K., Y.H.W., S.-H.P., J.-H.S.).
Remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS) improved cognitive function in chronic stroke patients, especially those with moderate impairment. This safe and feasible home-based rehabilitation shows promise for enhancing cognitive training.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Stroke often leads to cognitive impairment, necessitating effective rehabilitation strategies.
- Home-based rehabilitation is crucial for stroke survivors, with potential benefits from supplementary therapies.
- Remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS) is explored as an adjunct to home-based stroke recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cognitive improvement effects of RS-tDCS in patients with chronic stroke.
- To assess the feasibility and safety of RS-tDCS for home-based cognitive rehabilitation.
- To determine if RS-tDCS enhances concurrent computerized cognitive training.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six chronic stroke patients with cognitive impairment were randomized into real or sham RS-tDCS groups.
- Participants underwent 4 weeks of daily RS-tDCS combined with computerized cognitive training.
- Cognitive function was assessed using multiple tests, including K-MoCA, before and after the intervention, with follow-up.
- Adherence and adverse effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- The real RS-tDCS group showed significant improvement in K-MoCA scores compared to the sham group, particularly in patients with lower baseline scores or left hemispheric lesions.
- A significant between-group difference in K-MoCA was observed in the subgroup with lower baseline scores (K-MoCA 10-17).
- RS-tDCS adherence was high (98.4%), with no serious adverse events reported.
Conclusions:
- RS-tDCS is a safe and feasible rehabilitation method for post-stroke cognitive dysfunction.
- RS-tDCS demonstrates effectiveness in patients with moderate cognitive decline.
- This approach has potential for enhancing home-based cognitive training, though further large-scale studies are warranted.
