Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation for post-stroke urinary incontinence: study protocol for a
Gen Ran1, Yuling Chen1, Yali Feng1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Trials
|July 3, 2026
Summary
This study investigates combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to treat post-stroke urinary incontinence. The novel approach aims to improve recovery by addressing both central and peripheral neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Post-stroke urinary incontinence significantly impairs recovery and quality of life in stroke survivors.
- Current treatments like pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) often yield suboptimal results due to unaddressed central neurological deficits.
- Emerging evidence highlights neuromodulation via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for enhancing cortical neuroplasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the synergistic effect of combining tDCS with PFMT for post-stroke urinary incontinence.
- To compare the therapeutic benefits of combined tDCS and PFMT against PFMT alone in stroke survivors.
- To address the therapeutic gap in stroke rehabilitation for micturition control.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 50 eligible patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence.
- Intervention group: PFMT combined with active, low-frequency tDCS over M1 (n=25).
- Control group: PFMT combined with sham tDCS (n=25). Both groups receive 20 sessions over 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Primary outcome: reduction in urinary leakage episodes.
- Secondary outcomes include simplified cystometry, ICIQ-UI SF, OABSS, I-QOL, sEMG, Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score, and urination frequency.
- Analysis will determine the efficacy of the combined intervention versus PFMT alone.
Conclusions:
- This trial protocol outlines a novel intervention for post-stroke urinary incontinence using tDCS and PFMT.
- A rigorous double-blind, sham-controlled design will provide robust evidence on the combined effects of central neuromodulation and peripheral training.
- The findings are expected to inform effective neurorehabilitation strategies, potentially transforming clinical practice and improving stroke survivors' quality of life.
