Effects of Brain Network by Simultaneous Dual-mode Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Patients

Investigation for Individualized Noninvasive Neuromodulation in Neurorehabilitation of Brain Disease: Longitudinal Study

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used for the modulation of stroke patients' motor function by altering the cortical excitability. Recently, more challenging approaches, such as stimulation of two or more sites or use of dual modality have been studied in stroke patients. In this study, simultaneous stimulation using both rTMS and tDCS (dual-mode stimulation) over bilateral primary motor cortices (M1s) was investigated to compare its modulatory effects with single rTMS stimulation in subacute stroke patients.

Investigators assessed each patient's motor function using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score and acquired their resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) data at two times: prior to stimulation and 2 months after stimulation. Changes in rs-fMRI network measures were investigated between groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-ever stroke patients
• Subacute stage (less than 4 weeks)
• Total Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score under 84

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major active neurological disease or psychiatric disease
• A history of seizure
• Metallic implants in their brain