摘要
Objective:To explore the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on ischemic stroke survivors in terms of its association with neurotrophic factors in a person′s peripheral blood.Methods:Forty ischemic stroke survivors were randomly allocated into a control group and a treatment group, each of 20. Both groups were given routine medication and rehabilitation, while the treatment group was additionally provided with 20 minutes of tDCS daily at an intensity of 2.0mA. There were 14 sessions over two weeks. The control group received sham stimulation. Before and after the experiment, both groups were assessed using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and the Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS). The concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the subjects′ peripheral blood were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).Results:Baseline comparisons revealed no significant disparities between the two groups in their average MBI, MMSE, HAMD, or SDS results, nor in their average BDNF or NGF levels. Post-treatment assessments indicated significant enhancements across these metrics within both groups. Notably, the treatment group then exhibited average MBI and MMSE scores superior to those of the control group, alongside a lower average HAMD score. Furthermore, elevated levels of BDNF [(108.20±36.96)pg/ml] and NGF [(2.90±1.03)pg/ml] were observed in the treatment group.Conclusion:tDCS appears to significantly enhance cognition, minimize symptoms of depression, and augment self-care ability after an ischemic stroke. These benefits are possibly mediated through the increase of neurotrophic factor levels.