Key result
Active tDCS plus inhibitory control training significantly reduces post-stroke depression scores.
Why the study?
Does the combination of active tDCS and ICCT reduce depression and anxiety in post-stroke individuals?
RCT (n=35)
Does the combination of active tDCS and ICCT reduce depression and anxiety in post-stroke individuals?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The combination of tDCS and ICCT significantly reduced depressive symptoms measured by BDI in post-stroke individuals, though it did not affect other depression or anxiety scales.
BACKGROUND: Recent research has highlighted the role of fronto-parietal brain networks and cognitive control in mood disorders. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and computer-based cognitive training are used in post-stroke rehabilitation. This study examined the combined effects ofof computer-based inhibitory control training (ICCT) and anodal tDCS on post-stroke depression and anxiety. METHODS: Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: active tDCS treatment (A), sham tDCS treatment with ICCT (T), or active tDCS with ICCT (AT), for a duration of ten days. Primary outcome measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T). Statistical analysis was performed using a Mixed-model Analysis of Variance, with supplementary Bayesian analysis. RESULTS: The AT group showed a significant improvement in BDI scores (p < .001), whereas no significant effects were observed on the HAM-D, STAI-T, or STAI-S scales. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of tDCS and ICCT reduced depressive symptoms as measured by the BDI; while no significant effects were found with either treatment alone. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind the synergistic effects in the treatment of post-stroke mood disorders.
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Kazinczi et al. (2025) conducted an RCT in post-stroke depression and anxiety (n=35). Active tDCS with inhibitory control training (ICCT) vs. Active tDCS alone or sham tDCS with ICCT was evaluated on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T) (p=<0.001). Active tDCS combined with inhibitory control training significantly improved Beck Depression Inventory scores in post-stroke individuals (p < 0.001).
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