Investigating the Effects of Beta Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has the potential to boost rehabilitation after stroke by creating a 'pro-plastic' environment, where the brain is more adaptable in response to movement (motor) training. However, responses to classical NIBS protocols are highly variable. Movement-related changes in specific brain rhythms have previously been shown to be related to recovery of hand/arm function after a stroke. The investigators propose to use NIBS to target movement-related activity in the beta band (13-30Hz) within the motor cortical regions of the brain. The investigators will use a type of NIBS called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which uses a sinusoidally-varying electrical current where the stimulation frequency is determined to be relevant to the underlying brain rhythms of interest, and the stimulation timed to coincide with specific phases of the hand/arm movement. The primary aim is to investigate whether beta-tACS improves upper limb movement in stroke survivors.
• Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• Aged 18 years or above.
• Clinical diagnosis of stroke affecting the upper limb, with sufficient ability to perform the upper limb reaching task.
• At least 3 months post-stroke and discharged from inpatient care.