Combined anodal transcranial direct current stimulation and behavioural naming treatment improves language performance in post-stroke aphasic patients

Abstract

Primary objective: During the last decade, studies using anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) have yielded promising results in patients with aphasia. The main aim of the present pilot study was to assess the effects of combined atDCS on the left posterior perisylvian region and behavioural naming training on the behavioural outcomes on language comprehension and production of patients with post-stroke aphasia. Research design: 2x2 quasi-experimental design, optimal to compare changes after treatment in an experimental vs a control group. Methods and Procedures: Ten patients with post-stroke aphasia were enrolled in this study: half received atDCS on the left posterior perisylvian region while they underwent a 2-week behavioural naming training. The other half received sham stimulation. The outcomes were measured using the abbreviated form of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, and analysed using t-tests. Main outcomes and Results: Both groups improved their performance in Oral comprehension, Narrative writing, and Language Competence Index, but only those that received anodal tDCS presented better results in the Naming category after the treatment. Conclusions: AtDCS on the left posterior perisylvian area seems to be a promising tool for boosting the outcomes of behavioural naming therapy in patients with post-stroke aphasia.