Protocol for Systematic Review and Mata-analysis: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Cognitive Rehabilitation Outcomes and Neuroplasticity Biomarkers in Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury

This protocol outlines a systematic recview and meta-analysis designed to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive rehabilitation outcomes and neuroplasticity biomarkers in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The review will synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies to determine whether tDCS enhances cognitive recovery, functional outcomes and biomarkers of neural plasticity. Integrating these findings across diverse study designs, the meta-analysis aims to provide robust conclusions on the therapeutic potential of tDCS in post-TBI rehabilitationThe protocol adheres to PRISMA-P guidelines and includes detailed methods for literature search, study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and statistical analysis. Outcome of interest include cognitive domains such as memory, attention, executive function, along with functional rehabilitation measures and neuroplasticity biomarkers including brain derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), electroencephalography (EEG),and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) indices.