Neurophysiological and Behavioral Effects of Combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Modified-Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT)

20 minutes of anodal tDCS followed by 1 hour of the mCIMT program. The anodal electrode will be placed over the ipsilesional M1 (primary motor cortex, C3 or C4 according to EEG 10/20 system), and the cathodal electrode over the contralateral supraorbital area (Fp1 or Fp2) ). Leading to subthreshold depolarization to promote cortical excitation. And twelve different oriented tasks will be used during the 1-hour training period.

20 minutes of cathodal tDCS followed by 1 hour of the mCIMT program. the cathodal electrode will be placed over the contralesional M1, and the anodal electrode over the contralateral supraorbital area (Fp1 or Fp2). leading to subthreshold polarization to promote cortical inhibition. And twelve different oriented tasks will be used during the 1-hour training period.

20 minutes of Bihemispheric tDCS followed by 1 hour of the mCIMT program. the cathodal electrode will be placed over the primary motor cortex (M1) of the contralesional hemisphere and the anodal electrode will be placed above the ipsilateral M1 position (C3 or C4 positions, according to the 10/20 EEG system). And twelve different oriented tasks will be used during the 1-hour training period.

20 minutes of sham tDCS followed by 1 hour of the mCIMT program. the same stimulation place and parameters will be used as in the anodal group. However, after 30 seconds of stimulation, the stimulator will switch off. This provides the participants with the experience of the initial itchy sensation that occurs during tDCS, which is required for efficient masking. And twelve different oriented tasks will be used during the 1-hour training period.