Symposium

Neuroplasticity (includes neuroscience)

Stroke

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Stroke: From Research Studies to Clinical Implementation (818054)

Presenter(s)

• 

  Sangeetha Madhavan, PT, PhD

  Associate Professor
  The University of Illinois at Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois

  Presentation Slides Handouts
• 

  Brice Cleland, PhD

  Postdoctoral Fellow
  University of Illinois at Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois
• 

  Laura H. Lenhart, PT, DPT, NCS

  Physical Therapist
  Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
  Homewood, Illinois
• 

  Melissa N. Galick, PT, DPT, CLT

  Physical Therapist
  Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
  Homewood, Illinois
• AH

  Amy Huckstep, PT, DPT

  Clinical Team Lead, Senior Physical Therapist
  Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
  Crete, Illinois

Transcranial direct current stimulation is emerging as a promising adjuvant modality to capitalize on the neuroplasticity of the damaged brain. The clinical advantages of tDCS, such as low cost, safety, portability, easy-to-use technique, and tolerability, have created a rising surge in clinical, research and public interest. However, information on steps to translate tDCS for clinical use remains limited.  In this symposium, we will present an overview of studies involving tDCS for adults with hemiparetic stroke. We will provide emerging data from our ongoing study that utilized tDCS for walking recovery in a clinical stroke setting. We will discuss challenges, opportunities, and perceptions that need to be addressed before utilization of tDCS as a clinical tool.

Learning Objectives:

• Participant will evaluate the technique of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and its relevance to neurorehabilitation
• Assess the physiological mechanisms of tDCS and how it affects functional outcomes
• Participants will describe the clinical benefits, limitations, and patient/therapist perceptions to improve gait in stroke survivors