What Else Can Be Done by the Spinal Cord? A Review on the Effectiveness of Transpinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) in Stroke Recovery

The spinal cord, traditionally viewed as a simple connection between the brain and body, is now recognized for its role in motor skills and cognitive functions. Transpinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive technique that delivers a weak electrical current to the spinal cord, promoting neuroplasticity and potentially aiding motor and cognitive recovery after stroke. This review analyzes studies on tsDCS's impact on motor improvement in animals and healthy individuals, as well as its effectiveness in motor and cognitive recovery in stroke patients, suggesting tsDCS may be a valuable addition to post-stroke rehabilitation.

• 1
  tsDCS can induce local and cortical neuroplastic changes, influencing activity in cortical and corticospinal pathways in humans.
• 2
  Studies on animals suggest that both anodal and cathodal tsDCS induce local and cortical plastic changes in rat motoneurons.
• 3
  Anodal tsDCS enhances locomotor skills and reduces fatigue in humans, while cathodal tsDCS can transiently facilitate peak acceleration in motor tasks.