Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Functional Electrical Stimulation for Upper-limb Rehabilitation After Stroke

Association Between the Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for Upper-limb Rehabilitation After Stroke - A Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of tDCS combined with FES on upper limb rehabilitation of post-stroke subjects with moderate and severe compromise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke diagnosis and moderate or severe hemiparesis (chronic stroke - at least 6 months of disease)
• Ability to reach 60 degrees in the shoulder flexion
• Minimal cognitive ability to understand commands
• No current use of antiepileptic drugs for seizures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Painful shoulder, adhesive capsulitis or glenohumeral subluxation
• Contraindication for electrical stimulation (presence of metallic implants) or risks for the tDCS, as evaluated by means of a standard questionnaire