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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

Combining muscle-computer interface guided training with bihemispheric tDCS improves upper limb function in patients

Xue Zhang¹, Raf Meesen^2,3, Stephan P Swinnen²

¹Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Journal of Neurophysiology

|May 8, 2024

Summary

Combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with muscle-computer interface (MCI) training significantly improved upper limb function in chronic stroke patients. This novel approach enhances neurorehabilitation beyond conventional methods.

Keywords:

electromyography stroke tDCS wrist extension

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

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Published on: September 23, 2018

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Through Advanced Robotic and Neuromodulation Technologies

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Published on: October 11, 2024

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System

Published on: December 29, 2023

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Rehabilitation Medicine
Biomedical Engineering

Background:

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows potential for neuroplasticity but has limited effects during rest in stroke patients.
Muscle-computer interface (MCI) training offers a promising avenue for stroke rehabilitation, even for individuals with limited movement.
The combined effect of tDCS and MCI training for stroke recovery remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of combining bihemispheric tDCS with MCI training for the paretic wrist in patients with chronic stroke.
To evaluate the impact of this combined intervention on upper limb motor function.

Main Methods:

A crossover, double-blind, randomized trial involving 26 chronic stroke patients.
Participants underwent three consecutive days of home-based MCI wrist training, receiving either real or sham bihemispheric tDCS in a counterbalanced order.
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scale was the primary outcome measure, assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

Patients receiving real tDCS showed a significant improvement of 3.9 points in FMA-UE scores, compared to 1.0 point with sham tDCS (P = 0.003).
No significant differences in baseline FMA-UE scores were observed between groups or intervention periods.
Continuous improvement in motor control of MCI tasks was noted throughout the training days.

Conclusions:

Bihemispheric tDCS combined with MCI training can significantly improve upper limb function in chronic stroke survivors.
This combined approach demonstrates a training-specific effect on wrist movement and offers a potential adjuvant therapy for neurorehabilitation.
The personalized and adjustable nature of the training regimen suggests its utility in complementing conventional stroke rehabilitation strategies.