Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Post-Stroke Recovery: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Stroke is a primary global cause of long-term disability.
• Remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS) is emerging as a potential therapy for neurological impairments.
• This review critically appraises RS-tDCS for post-stroke recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of RS-tDCS for stroke recovery.
• To assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of RS-tDCS in post-stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar.
• Inclusion of studies on RS-tDCS in stroke patients up to February 2025.
• Screening and identification by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• RS-tDCS demonstrated safety with minimal side effects and high adherence.
• Preliminary findings indicate improvements in motor function, language, and cognition.
• Studies were limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity, impacting generalizability.

Conclusions:

• RS-tDCS is a safe and feasible adjunct therapy for post-stroke impairments.
• It holds potential for improving access to experimental stroke treatments.
• Further adequately powered randomized controlled trials are essential to validate efficacy.