A Novel Synchronized Stimulation Method to Improve the Tactile Localization Ability of Post-Stroke Patients

Introduction: Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) has shown promise in enhancing post-stroke patients' neural plasticity and functional abilities. However, determining the optimal protocol for this method remains an open question. Our study proposes a novel approach: synchronized stimulation that combines mechanical and electrical stimuli. We hypothesize that this approach will enhance tactile localization ability in post-stroke patients. Methods: We recruited a total of ۲۳ patients and conducted four different types of experiments involving periodic mechanical stimulation on their fingertips. The primary objective was to assess the participant's ability to localize the location of the mechanical stimulation accurately. In one experiment, only mechanical stimulation was administered. Electrical stimulations were combined with mechanical stimulation in the remaining three experiments. The electrical stimulations comprised of one of the following protocols: (۱) (tES) pulses administered solely for the initial five seconds of the session, (۲) continuous (tES) pulses throughout the entire duration of the mechanical stimulation, and (۳) (tES) pulses synchronized precisely with the timing of the mechanical stimulation. Results: A noteworthy enhancement in tactile localization ability was observed when the electrical and mechanical stimulations were synchronized. Conclusion:  Our findings demonstrate that the integration of electrical brain stimulation with simultaneous mechanical stimulation of the fingertips resulted in enhanced neural activities. This synchronized integration holds the potential to improve perception and may serve as a vital approach in the treatment of post-stroke patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Stimulation ، (tES) ، Tactile Localization ، Synchronization ، Post-Stroke Patients