Dual-target tDCS and dual-task training modulate neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity: transcriptomic and behavioral evidence in stroke rehabilitation.

The transcriptomic analysis was exploratory, performed on a small subset of patients using peripheral blood, which may not reflect brain tissue changes, and lacked technical or biological replicates. The study focused on chronic stroke (6-12 months post-onset), so results may not apply to acute or subacute phases. The two-week intervention period means long-term sustainability of the effects is unknown. All participants received standard rehabilitation (physical, occupational, or speech therapy) in addition to the study interventions, making it difficult to isolate the specific contribution of tDCS or DTT from standard care.

The research was funded by the Yunnan Provincial Rehabilitation Clinical Medical Center and the Neurorehabilitation Team of Kunming Medical University. No commercial conflicts of interest were declared.

Do not attribute the observed improvements solely to tDCS or dual-task training in isolation. All participants received standard physical, occupational, or speech therapy concurrently, and the study design does not allow for separating the effects of these standard therapies from the experimental interventions.