Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that can modulate neuroplasticity (the capacity for brain reorganization). Neuroplastic change correlates with upper extremity (UE) recovery after brain lesions. Different electrode configurations of tDCS paired with UE motor training can have different effects in distinct populations. We are conducting the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate which tDCS configuration may best enhance outcomes of UE motor training for stroke survivors with chronic, severe hemiparesis (i.e., little or no wrist or hand movement). We have assigned subjects to 1 of 4 groups: 1) "Anodal": anodal tDCS to excite ipsilesional motor cortex; 2) "Cathodal": cathodal tDCS to inhibit contralesional motor cortex; 3) "Dual": a simultaneous combination of anodal and cathodal tDCS; or 4) "Sham" tDCS. Intervention (10 sessions) consists of tDCS followed by 3 hours of intensive, task-oriented UE training in each session. Our primary outcome measure is Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Our secondary outcome measures are Action Research Arm Test and Stroke Impact Scale. We have conducted evaluations at baseline and post-intervention. Preliminary results from 26 of (projected) 44 subjects indicate substantially greater improvement for the "Cathodal" group than other groups. These findings differ from evidence about tDCS in rehabilitation of mild-to-moderate hemiparesis. Completion of our study will include full analysis of neuroplastic change associated with intervention.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 2014 IEEE 16th International Conference on e-Health Networking, Applications and Services, Healthcom 2014 |
Pages | 12-17 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781479966448 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2014 |
Event | 2014 16th IEEE International Conference on e-Health Networking, Applications and Services, Healthcom 2014 - Natal, Brazil Duration: Oct 15 2014 → Oct 18 2014 |
Publication series
Name | 2014 IEEE 16th International Conference on e-Health Networking, Applications and Services, Healthcom 2014 |
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Conference
Conference | 2014 16th IEEE International Conference on e-Health Networking, Applications and Services, Healthcom 2014 |
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Country/Territory | Brazil |
City | Natal |
Period | 10/15/14 → 10/18/14 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2014 IEEE.
Keywords
- hemiparesis
- motor function
- neuromodulation
- neuroplasticity
- occupational therapy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Information Management
- Computer Networks and Communications
- Health Informatics