Investigators plan to evaluate tDCS further in a large, multicenter clinical trial in Europe. The Neuroregeneration Enhanced by tDCS in Stroke (NETS) trial will compare anodal stimulation of the lesioned hemisphere versus sham stimulation in the subacute phase of first-ever stroke. Both interventions will be combined with functional training. The upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment is the primary outcome. The trial is expected to complete by the end of 2016.
Future studies will aim to further understand the optimal stimulation parameters for these types of stimulation, and to identify which patients with stroke are appropriate for these interventions, Dr. Schambra said.
—Jake Remaly