Towards a personalized approach to stroke motor recovery using transcranial direct current stimulation

The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) combined with physical therapy has the potential to enhance the recovery of movements more than does physical therapy alone (e.g. without the stimulation). While research results are promising and suggest that TDCS “works,” it does not seem to work for everyone. We believe a personalized approach to brain stimulation is required to maximize the effects of therapy for each person. We will evaluate the effects of personalized TDCS on the recovery of arm movements in individuals with chronic stroke, and determine if biomarkers can be used to predict treatment response to TDCS.

Investigators: Dr. Joyce Chen, Dr. Mindy Levin, Dr. Alexander Thiel, Dr. Robert Chen, Dr. Sara McEwen, Dr. Jodi Edwards, Dr. Rick Swartz, Dr. Alex Kiss; Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Jewish General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Sunnybrook Research Institute