tDCS Combined With Constraint-Induced Therapy in Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Inclusion Criteria: * (1) present a clinical diagnosis of stroke confirmed by imaging examination and/or report issued by a neurologist; (2) are in the chronic phase of the lesion with an occurrence time greater than six months; (3) hemiparesis with brachial predominance, mild to moderate motor deficit in the affected upper limb defined by a score between 19 and 55 points on the FMA-UE; (4) have minimum joint integrity to perform the movements required in the protocol with an active range of motion of at least 20° of wrist extension, 10° of extension of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and 20° of elbow extension considering the standard position of 90° elbow flexion, measured with a Carci® goniometer; (5) demonstrate the ability to understand and follow simple commands on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (ANNEX II) with a score higher than 23 points for literate persons and lower than 15 points for illiterate persons. Exclusion Criteria:(1) diagnosis of epilepsy; (2) intracranial metallic implants or implantable electronic devices; (3) contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), including skin lesions on the scalp; (4) severe musculoskeletal limitations that prevent the execution of tasks; (5) history of recurrent stroke; (6) associated disabling musculoskeletal and neurological pathologies; (7) use of botulinum toxin in the previous three months; (8) uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension or diabetes mellitus; (9) cli…