# 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

## TL;DR

This study reviews and analyzes the effectiveness of combining brain stimulation with dual-task training for improving physical and cognitive functions in people with stroke, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson’s disease.

## Contribution

The study provides a meta-analysis of randomized trials to assess the combined effects of transcranial stimulation and dual-task training in neurological disorders.

## Key findings

- tDCS+DTT showed significant improvement in executive function for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
- Combined training improved dual-task gait in both stroke and MCI populations.
- PD patients showed specific benefits in force-tremor decoupling and postural stability, but overall improvements were limited.

## Abstract

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.

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).

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) cadence improved overall (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI [0.09, 1.08], p = 0.02, I2 = 39%) in both MCI and stroke subgroups. TUG motor dual task (MDT) speed improved modestly (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI [0.02, 0.83], p = 0.04, I2 = 34%), and CMDT speed showed a strong trend (SMD = −0.49, p = 0.09), only significant in stroke (SMD = −1.42, p = 0.002). However, this generalized finding must be nuanced by specific efficacy observed in individual PD studies, which reported significant gains in force-tremor decoupling, postural stability, and CMDT accuracy.

The meta-analysis suggests that the effects of tDCS combined with DTT are remarkable in certain populations and for specific outcomes. While substantial improvements are confirmed for executive function and dual-task gait in MCI and stroke, the overall limited efficacy in PD highlights the critical influence of heterogeneity and intervention specificity. Future research should prioritize disease-specific electrode montages and the integration of tACS or tRNS to optimize outcomes across diverse neurological populations.