Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: The Effects of tDCS Combined With Balance Training on Postural Control in Chronic Stroke Patients ( A Randomized Controlled Trial)
Brief Summary: Purpose:

The incidence of stroke in low-to-middle income countries is increasing .Balance impairment and falling negatively impact function of stroke patients. Mobility is based on successful postural control and about 30% of individuals with stroke are unable to ambulate without assistance.Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a new promising tool for motor recovery in neurological disease.This can be addressed through a tDCS intervention.

Objective:The objectives of this study is to examine the efficacy of anodal tDCS combined with Biodex balance training on postural control in chronic stroke patients using laboratory and clinical assessments. The following essential treatment components; a) active tDCS stimulation paired with Biodex balance training, b)sham tDCS paired with Biodex balance training program.

To identify combinations effects of tDCS stimulation plus balance training . Hypothesis: Anodal tDCS targeting leg motor area (CZ) for 5-days plus Biodex balance training, will significantly improve stroke clients' balance and functional mobility.

Double blinded sham -controlled randomized tDCS stimulation Arms Assigned Interventions

Experimental: Arm 1

tDCS brain stimulation and simultaneous balance training

Participants underwent Active tDCS brain stimulation (20 minutes) and simultaneous balance training(20 minutes) for 5 consecutive days.

No Intervention: Arm 2 Sham tDCS brain stimulation (20 minutes) and simultaneous balance training


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

age ≥18 years; first-ever ischemic stroke; chronic phase of recovery (\>6 months); ability to walk 6- meter supported or unsupported; ability to stand at least unsupported for 40-seconds with eyes closed; only ischemic stroke involving middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory confirmed by CT or MRI.

Exclusion Criteria:

Use of any neuro- or psycho-active medications that alters balance; any other neurological conditions or sensory disorders affecting postural control; such as brain tumor, or substance abuse; orthopedic diseases; ongoing/recent (within 3 months) balance rehabilitation.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of stroke according to WHO's definition of stroke
* Living in the city of Trondheim or the municipalities of Asker or Bærum
* Included 2.5 - 4 months after stroke
* Modified Rankin Scale 0 - 4
* Living at home
* Mini Mental State Examination \> 20 or \> 16 if aphasia
* Provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are already included in the study
* Are included in other experimental studies
* Unstable coronary function
* Uncompensated heartfailure
* Other diseases that make it difficult to complete the intervention
C: Inclusion Criteria:

• stroke with at least slight deficit

Exclusion Criteria:

* epilepsy
* contraindication to tDCS and/or to fMRI
* presence of metal in the head
* inability to understand / complete behavioral tasks
* chronic intake of alcohol or recreational drugs
* major health condition
* presence of pacemaker (for the fMRI part only)
* pregnancy
D: Inclusion Criteria:

* written consent
* hemiparetic patient after stroke in chronic phase (\> 6 months)
* capacity to walk with or without technical assistance
* following rehabilitation program for lower limbs

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient with bilateral brain lesion, cerebellar syndrom, and apraxia and/or aphasia
* previous orthopedic surgery in paretic lower limb (\<6 moths)
* usual tDCS contraindications
* pregnant woman

Answer: A