The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on cognition and white matter fiber integrity in stroke patients / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe any effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the cognition of stroke survivors and the integrity of their white matter fibers.Methods:Thirty persons with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) were randomly divided into an experimental group ( n=15) and a control group ( n=15). In addition to basic drug therapy and routine cognition training, the experimental group received 20 minutes of tDCS daily, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, while the control group received sham tDCS stimulation. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ cognitive functioning was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA). Their ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed to observe any changes in the integrity of their white matter fibers. Results:The average MMSE, MOCA and MBI scores of both groups had improved significantly after the treatment, but the improvement in the experimental group was significantly greater than among the controls. The average fractional anisotroposy value of the affected inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus in both groups was positively correlated with the group′s average MMSE score and MoCA score.Conclusion:tDCS can effectively improve the cognition and functioning in the activities of daily living of stroke survivors. Its mechanism may be related to improving the integrity of the white matter fibers involved.