Effects of a tailored strength training program of the upper limb combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in chronic stroke patients: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

Background: A significant proportion of individuals are left with poor residual functioning of the affected arm after a stroke. This has a great impact on the quality of life and the ability for stroke survivors to live independently. While strengthening exercises have been recommended to improve arm function, their benefits are generally far from optimal due to the lack of appropriate dosing in terms of intensity.