Conditioning Neural Circuits to Improve Upper Extremity Function

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation is applied over the hand area of the primary motor cortex (M1). Parameters= 2mA for 20 minutes. Functional task practice will be completed concurrently with tDCS and for approximate 40 minutes after the stimulation stops.

"Electrical stimulation will be applied to the median nerve of the primary hand being trained at parameters that elicit a sensory but not motor response (called peripheral nerve somatosensory stimulation). Stimulation parameters are 100Hz with a 250uS pulse width. Stimulation intensity will vary between 1-10mA per participant. Stimulation will be applied for 1 hour and functional task practice will be completed concurrent with the stimulation."

During sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a sham tDCS device will be used along with functional task practice. The sham tDCS unit will be used for the first 20 minutes of FTP, followed by an additional 40 minutes of FTP.