EFFECTS OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION IN MOTOR REHABILITATION OF POST-STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Stroke, a serious and disabling neurological condition, is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to identify techniques that can be used in post-stroke rehabilitation, stimulating neuroplasticity and optimizing functional recovery. In this context, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has gained prominence due to its ability to maximize motor learning. This study aims to analyze the impact of tDCS on the motor rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. This is an integrative literature review with searches in the following electronic databases: PubMed, PEDro, SciELO, and BVS. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected for analysis. The results indicated that tDCS associated with physiotherapy techniques promotes improved motor and functional performance, reduced spasticity, increased gait speed, and improved quality of life in individuals with stroke. Thus, it was concluded that tDCS is an effective resource, when applied in combination with other techniques, in the motor rehabilitation of post-stroke patients, enhancing neuroplasticity and motor learning.