Efficacy of combined transcranial direct current stimulation and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on cognition in patients with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently experience cognitive deficits. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) have been used in cognitive rehabilitation patients with TBI. This review aims to explore the effects of integrating tDCS and CBCR on cognition post-TBI. "PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PEDro, and CINAHL" were explored until March 2026. Randomized studies that integrated tDCS and CBCR and included at least one outcome measure evaluating cognitive function in patients with TBI were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) instrument was employed to assess the risk of bias. Four studies involving 115 participants met the inclusion criteria. Two studies reported significant improvements in executive function and working memory after combining tDCS and CBCR compared with no-intervention controls. The other two studies found no significant differences between groups in memory, attention, or executive function outcomes after combining tDCS and CBCR compared with combining tDCS and CBCR. Overall, evidence on the effects of combining tDCS and CBCR is limited. Additional high-quality studies with consistent treatment protocols and long-term follow-up are strongly warranted to understand the effects of the intervention on cognition in individuals with TBI.