Tedesco Triccas, L., Burridge, J.H., Hughes, A.M., Pickering, R.M., Desikan, M., Rothwell, J.C. and Verheyden, G. (2016) Multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation and upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke: a review and meta-analysis. Clinical Neurophysiology, 127 (1), 946-955. (doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2015.04.067).
Abstract
Objective
To systematically review the methodology in particular treatment options and outcomes and the effect of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with rehabilitation programmes for upper extremity recovery post stroke.
Methods
A search was conducted for randomised controlled trials involving tDCS and rehabilitation for the upper extremity in stroke. Quality of included studies was analysed using the Modified Downs and Black form. The extent of, and effect of variation in treatment parameters such as anodal, cathodal and bi-hemispheric tDCS on upper extremity outcome measures of impairment and activity were analysed using meta-analysis.
Results
Nine studies (371 participants with acute, sub-acute and chronic stroke) were included. Different methodologies of tDCS and upper extremity intervention, outcome measures and timing of assessments were identified. Real tDCS combined with rehabilitation had a small non-significant effect of +0.11 (p=0.44) and +0.24 (p=0.11) on upper extremity impairments and activities at post-intervention respectively.
Conclusion
Various tDCS methods have been used in stroke rehabilitation. The evidence so far is not statistically significant, but is suggestive of, at best, a small beneficial effect on upper extremity impairment.
Significance
Future research should focus on which patients and rehabilitation programmes are likely to respond to different tDCS regimes.
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- Faculties (pre 2018 reorg) > Faculty of Health Sciences (pre 2018 reorg)
Current Faculties > Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences > School of Health Sciences > Faculty of Health Sciences (pre 2018 reorg)
School of Health Sciences > Faculty of Health Sciences (pre 2018 reorg) - Current Faculties > Faculty of Medicine > Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education
Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education - Current Faculties > Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences > School of Health Sciences > Allied Health Professions > Physiotherapy
School of Health Sciences > Allied Health Professions > Physiotherapy - Faculties (pre 2018 reorg) > Faculty of Medicine (pre 2018 reorg)
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