Dual-task Training Combined With tDCS on Cognitive-motor Performance and Brain Activity in Stroke Patients

This study aims to evaluate the effects of tDCS combined with cognitive-motor training on dual-task interference during walking and foot pedaling, alongside corresponding alterations in brain activity assessed via fNIRS. Additionally, an fMRI component was conducted as a nested sub-study for deep mechanistic exploration.

Inclusion Criteria: * a diagnosis of stroke, stroke onset of more than 6 months, * aged 50 or more, * capable of following verbal and visual instructions, * having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 22, * able to walk for 10 meters with/without a mobility aid, * community-dwelling, unilateral stroke Exclusion Criteria: * neurological disorders, gait-precluding pain or comorbidity, * receiving any formal rehabilitation training, * contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina), * contraindications to fNIRS, MRI, and tDCS (e.g., brain skin injury, pacemaker, metal implants in the brain), * history of seizure or epilepsy, * color blindness. * unable to walk with/without a mobility aid while responsing stimulus by the remote control