Dual-tDCS enhances online motor skill learning and long-term retention in chronic stroke patients

摘要: Background: Since motor learning is a key component for stroke recovery, enhancing skill crucial challenge neurorehabilitation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) promising approach improving learning. The aim of this trial was to test the hypothesis that dual-tDCS applied bilaterally over primary cortices (M1) improves online with paretic hand and its long-term retention. Methods: Eighteen chronic patients participated in randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled, double bind trial. During separate sessions, or sham 30 min while learned complex visuomotor hand: using computer mouse move pointer along circuit as quickly accurately possible. A index involving evolution speed/accuracy trade-off calculated. Performance measured at baseline, after intervention 1 week later. Results: After dual-tDCS, eight showed performance worsening. In contrast, enhanced amount speed compared (p < 0.001) all patients; superiority maintained throughout hour following. shifted more consistently (n = 10) than (n = 3). More importantly, later, enhancement under had translated into superior retention (+44%) (+4%). improvement generalized new untrained digital dexterity. Conclusion: single-session trained significantly both quantitatively qualitatively, leading successful generalization. combination post-stroke