Working memory (WM) impairment is a common phenomenon after stroke; however, its management
in rehabilitation is less researched. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed
to provide a quantitative synthesis of the impact of computerised cognitive training
(CCT) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on WM span in post-stroke
individuals.The literature search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library
focused on randomized controlled trials testing the effect of CCT and tDCS on treated
stroke patients as compared to untreated controls. Neuropsychological instruments
such as Digit Span Forward/Backward and Visual Span Forward Tests defined the outcome
of WM span. After extracting study characteristics and quality assessment using the
Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, we conducted a meta-analysis and meta-regression using
standardised mean differences.The search yielded 4142 articles, nine of which (N =
461) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the case of CCT, we found significant improvement
in Digit Span Backward Test (Z = 2.65, P = 0.008; 95% CI [0.10, 0.67]) and Visual
Span Forward Test performance (Z = 3.05, P = 0.002; 95% CI [0.15, 0.69]), while for
tDCS, we could not find a sufficient number of studies for the analysis. Furthermore,
no significant moderating factor was found in the meta-regression.In conclusion, CCT
appears to be a suitable choice to enhance WM span performance after stroke. However,
further research is needed to investigate the effect of tDCS due to the limited number
of studies.The meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting
of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standards with a PROSPERO registration protocol
(ID: CRD42023387182).
