Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Risk of Falls and Lower Limb Function for Acute Stroke

Effects of Different Montages of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Risk of Falls and Lower Limb Function for Acute Stroke Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promising results in the modulation of cortical excitability and the promotion of neuronal plasticity after stroke. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different montages of tDCS (anodal, cathodal and bilateral) in reducing the risk of falls and recovery of lower limb function in acute stroke patients.

This is a randomized sham-controlled trial reported following the 2010 CONSORT guidelines. The subjects were randomly allocated into 1 of 4 groups in a double-blinded parallel study design. Each patient received 10 sessions (5 consecutive days for 2 weeks) of real or sham stimulation at 2 mA intensity and current density equivalent to 0.05 A/m2.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of acute stroke
• Able to walk 10m independently
• High risk of falling

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe functional limitations
• Cognitive impairment