High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current with Electrical Theta Burst on Post-Stroke Motor Rehabilitation: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• High-definition transcranial electrical theta burst stimulation (HD-tDCS-eTBS) combines tDCS and TBS, enhancing focality and practicality.
• The clinical utility of HD-tDCS-eTBS in post-stroke rehabilitation requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HD-tDCS-eTBS for improving upper extremity (UE) motor function in chronic stroke patients.
• To assess the impact of HD-tDCS-eTBS on spasticity and motor performance post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• A patient-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 24 participants with chronic stroke.
• Participants received either active or sham HD-tDCS-eTBS combined with conventional UE rehabilitation for 4 weeks.
• Standardized motor function and spasticity assessments were performed before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in shoulder adductor, elbow extensor, and thumb flexor spasticity were observed in the active HD-tDCS-eTBS group compared to the sham group.
• Trends favoring the active group were noted for other motor function outcomes, with moderate to large effect sizes.
• The intervention was well-tolerated, with only minor skin redness reported as an adverse event.

Conclusions:

• HD-tDCS-eTBS is a safe neuromodulatory intervention for post-stroke rehabilitation.
• The findings suggest HD-tDCS-eTBS has therapeutic potential for enhancing UE motor function in chronic stroke survivors.