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The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on upper-limb function post-stroke: A meta-analysis of multiple-session studies
- Source :
- Clinical Neurophysiology. 132:1897-1918
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 2021.
-
Abstract
- Objective To systematically review how patient characteristics and/or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) parameters influence tDCS effectiveness in respect to upper limb function post-stroke. Methods Three electronic databases were searched for sham-controlled randomised trials using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity as outcome measure. A meta-analysis and nine subgroup-analyses were performed to identify which tDCS parameters yielded the greatest impact on upper limb function recovery in stroke patients. Results Eighteen high-quality studies (507 patients) were included. tDCS applied in a chronic stage yields greater results than tDCS applied in a (sub)acute stage. Additionally, patients with low baseline upper limb impairments seem to benefit more from tDCS than those with high baseline impairments. Regarding tDCS configuration, all stimulation types led to a significant improvement, but only tDCS applied during therapy, and not before therapy, yielded significant results. A positive dose–response relationship was identified for current/charge density and stimulation duration, but not for number of sessions. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that tDCS improves upper limb function post-stroke. However, its effectiveness depends on numerous factors. Especially chronic stroke patients improved, which is promising as they are typically least amenable to recovery. Significance The current work highlights the importance of several patient-related and protocol-related factors regarding tDCS effectiveness.
- Subjects :
- medicine.medical_specialty
medicine.medical_treatment
Patient characteristics
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
050105 experimental psychology
Upper Extremity
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Physiology (medical)
Humans
Medicine
0501 psychology and cognitive sciences
Chronic stroke
Stroke
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Chronic stage
Transcranial direct-current stimulation
business.industry
05 social sciences
Stroke Rehabilitation
Recovery of Function
medicine.disease
Sensory Systems
medicine.anatomical_structure
Neurology
Meta-analysis
Post stroke
Upper limb
Neurology (clinical)
business
030217 neurology & neurosurgery
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 13882457
- Volume :
- 132
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Clinical Neurophysiology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....78b5907934880cd00171327fa3e48671