Effects of brain polarization on reaction times and pinch force in chronic stroke.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies showed that anodal transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex of the affected hemisphere (M1affected hemisphere) after subcortical stroke transiently improves performance of complex tasks that mimic activities of daily living (ADL). It is not known if relatively simpler motor tasks are similarly affected. Here we tested the effects of tDCS on pinch force (PF) and simple reaction time (RT) tasks in patients with chronic stroke in a double-blind cross-over Sham-controlled experimental design.


RESULTS
Anodal tDCS shortened reaction times and improved pinch force in the paretic hand relative to Sham stimulation, an effect present in patients with higher impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
tDCS of M1affected hemisphere can modulate performance of motor tasks simpler than those previously studied, a finding that could potentially benefit patients with relatively higher impairment levels.
Hummel
Friedhelm C
FC
Human Cortical Physiology Section and Stroke Neurorehabilitation Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. f.hummel@uke.uni-hamburg.de <f.hummel@uke.uni-hamburg.de>
Voller
Bernhard
B
Celnik
Pablo
P
Floel
Agnes
A
Giraux
Pascal
P
Gerloff
Christian
C
Cohen
Leonardo G
LG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D052581:Pinch Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation