Determining the effects of targeted high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on reducing post-stroke upper limb motor impairments —a randomized cross-over study

DiscussionWe hypothesize that anodal stimulation to the ipsilesional primary motor cortex will increase the excitability of the damaged cortico-spinal tract, reducing the UE flexion synergy and enhancing UE motor function. We further hypothesize that targeted cathodal stimulation to the contralesional premotor cortex will decrease activation of the cortico-reticulospinal tract (CRST) and the expression of the upper extremity (UE) flexion synergy and spasticity. Finally, we hypothesize bilateral stimulation will achieve both results simultaneously. Results from this study could improve understanding of the mechanism behind motor impairment and recovery in stroke and perfect the targeting of tDCS as a potential stroke intervention. With the use of appropriate screening, we anticipate no ethical or safety concerns. We plan to disseminate these research results to journals related to stroke recovery, engineering, and medicine.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT05479006. Registered on 26 July 2022.
Source: Trials - Category: Research Source Type: clinical trials