A protocol to optimize non-invasive brain stimulation for post-stroke rehabilitation

This randomized controlled trial investigates the optimal dosing for post-stroke rehabilitation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Previous studies demonstrated improvements in cognitive and motor functions with specific intensities of rTMS and tDCS, but this trial explores various frequencies and currents to optimize therapeutic outcomes. A total of 128 post-stroke patients (within 1-6 months of stroke) with paraplegia or hemiplegia are recruited. Patients are divided into four groups for both rTMS (n = 49) and tDCS (n = 49): three groups with different stimulation intensities (1 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz for rTMS; 0.5 mA, 1 mA, 2 mA for tDCS) and a sham control group. Along with this, there is a standard therapy group (n = 30) as control. Participants receive 20 min sessions, five days a week, over six weeks. Cognitive and motor assessments are conducted at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months to measure short-term and sustained effects.•Hemodynamically stable post-stroke patients randomized in four groups in rTMS and tDCS each and their baseline cognitive and motor function assessed•Application of the two types of therapy for 6 weeks•Checking improvement of cognitive and motor function and compare the improvement among subgroups of recipient of various frequencies and currents.