Comparing Different Montages of tDCS Combined With Dual-task Training on EEG Microstates

Comparing Different Montages of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Dual-task Training on EEG Microstates A Proof-of-concept Study

This study investigates whether electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of functional connectivity of the target network are associated with the response to different sets of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with dual-task training in post-stroke patients.

The present study seeks to compare the effects of conventional anodic tDCS (M1) with double-site/dual-site anodic tDCS (M1 + DLPFC) and simulated tDCS on functional connectivity, as assessed by EEG, in patients after staged stroke. chronic. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Participants will be submitted to three sessions, each session consisting of a different condition, namely: anodic tDCS - participants who will receive real current over the primary motor area; Dualsite tDCS - participants who will receive real current over the primary motor area and over the dorsolateral prefrontal area (DLPFC) and simulated tDCS - participants who will receive simulated stimulation. Participants will receive 3 tDCS sessions, lasting 20 minutes, associated with a physical therapy protocol based on dual motor and cognitive tasks, on alternate days (3 times a week). On each intervention day, pre and post-intervention assessments will be carried out, the evaluated outcomes will be: functional connectivity (EEG), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go) and executive functions (Trail-making Test A and B, the Clock Drawing Test and Phonemic Verbal Fluency Test). Statistical performance will be performed using SPSS software (Version 20.0) and MATLAB 9.20 with a significance level of p<0.05.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post-stroke participants for more than 6 months
• Individuals over 18 years of age;
• Both sexes;
• Patients with mild to moderate degree of injury severity (NIHHS <17 points)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with other associated pathologies that can influence motor activity (example: traumatic brain injury, brain tumor);
• Habitual use of drugs or alcohol;
• Use of drugs that modulate the activity of the Central Nervous System;
• Gestation;
• Use of metallic / electronic implants and / or cardiac pacemakers;
• Participants unable to communicate verbally;