Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with bilateral training can improve upper limb motor function after a stroke

Objective To explore the effect of combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with bilateral isokinematic training (BIT) to improve upper limb motor function after stroke. Methods Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into a tDCS group, a BIT group and a tDCS + BIT group, each of 20. In addition to conventional medical treatment and rehabilitation training, the three groups were given the additional treatment their group names indicate for four weeks. Before and after the intervention, everyone′s motor evoked potential cortical latency (CL) and central motor conduction time (CMCT) were measured. Upper limb motor function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Hongkong edition of a functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity (FTHUE-HK). Results After 4 weeks of treatment the average CL and CMCT had decreased significantly in all three groups, with those of the combined group significantly shorter than the other two groups′ averages. The average FMA-UE and FTHUE-HK scores had increased significantly in all three groups compared to those before treatment, but those of the combined group were significantly superior to the other groups′ averages. Conclusions tDCS combined with BIT can further improve the excitability of the cerebral cortex and promote the recovery of upper limb motor function. Key words: Transcranial direct current stimulation; Bilateral isokinematic training; Stroke; Upper limbs