Effectiveness of transcranial electrical stimulation combined with dual-task training in stroke, mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Aim: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) or transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) combined with dual task training (DTT) on physical and cognitive functions in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Parkinson's disease (PD), and stroke disorders.
Method: We conducted a systematic search of the Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and CINAHL databases for English-language literature on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of tDCS, tACS, or tRNS combined with DTT in adults with MCI, PD, and stroke. The search covered studies from the inception of each database up to November 21, 2025. The initial screening of selected articles was conducted independently by two researchers (YLQ and WLW).
Results: A total of twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising individuals with stroke (n = 4), MCI (n = 3), and PD (n = 5). Meta-analysis revealed that active tDCS+DTT yielded no significant overall improvement in global cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): SMD = 0.09, 95% CI [-0.49, 0.66], p = 0.77, I2 = 72%). A large, highly homogeneous benefit was observed for executive function (TMT-B: SMD = -1.33, 95% CI [-2.39, -0.27], p = 0.01), driven exclusively by the MCI subgroup (SMD = -2.35, 95% CI [-3.20, -1.51], I2 = 0%). Timed Up and Go cognitive-motor dual-task (TUG CMDT)…
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