Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation with different current density on upper limb motor disorder after stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with different current density on upper limb motor disorder in stroke patients. Methods A total of 45 stroke patients with upper limb motor disorder hospitalized in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2019 to June 2022 were selected and randomly divided into low current density stimulation group (low density group, 0.028 mA/cm2), medium current density stimulation group (medium density group, 0.057 mA/cm2), high current density stimulation group (high density group, 0.080 mA/cm2), 15 cases in each group. Upper limb motor function was evaluated by Fugl‑Meyer Assessment Scale for Upper Extremity (FMA‑UE) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) before and one week after treatment, and activity of daily living was evaluated by modified Barthel Index (mBI). Results After treatment of tDCS, FMA‑UE (F = 284.343, P = 0.000), ARAT (F = 180.427, P = 0.000) and mBI (F = 487.159, P = 0.000) scores in 3 groups were improved compared with those before treatment. FMA‑UE (F = 2.293, P = 0.000) and ARAT (F = 2.572, P = 0.000) scores were significantly different among 3 groups, FMA‑UE (t = 2.426, P = 0.029; t = 2.140, P = 0.035) and ARAT (t = 2.537, P = 0.024; t = 2.353, P = 0.028) scores in high density group and medium density group were higher than those in low density group. Conclusions tDCS is safe and effective in the treatment of upper limb motor disorder after stroke. Current densities of 0.057 and 0.080 mA/cm2 are more effective than those of 0.028 mA/cm2.

Keywords

• transcranial direct current stimulation
• stroke
• motor disorders
• upper extremity