Simultaneous high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation and robot-assisted gait training in stroke patients

Abstract

This study investigates whether simultaneous high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) enhances the effects of robot-assisted gait training in stroke patients. Twenty-four participants were randomly allocated to either the robot-assisted gait training with real HD-tDCS group (real HD-tDCS group) or robot-assisted gait training with sham HD-tDCS group (sham HD-tDCS group). Over four weeks, both groups completed 10 sessions. The 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Functional Ambulation Category, Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index were conducted before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The real HD-tDCS group showed significant improvements in the 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Functional Reach Test, and Berg Balance Scale immediately and one month after the intervention, compared with before the intervention. Significant improvements in the Dynamic Gait Index and Fugl-Meyer Assessment were also observed immediately after the intervention. The sham HD-tDCS group showed no significant improvements in any of the tests. Application of HD-tDCS during robot-assisted gait training has a positive effect on gait and physical function in chronic stroke patients, ensuring long-term training effects. Our results suggest the effectiveness of HD-tDCS as a complementary tool to enhance robotic gait rehabilitation therapy in chronic stroke patients.