Objective: Balance dysfunction after stroke often results in individuals unable to maintain normal posture, limits the recovery of gait and functional independence. We explore the short-term effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on improving balance function and gait in stroke patients.Methods: We systematically searched on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for studies that explored the effects of tDCS on balance after stroke until August 2020. All involved studies used at least one measurement of balance, gait, or postural control as the outcome.Results: A total of 145 studies were found, of which 10 (n = 246) met the inclusion criteria and included in our studies. The present meta-analysis showed that active tDCS have beneficial effects on timed up and go test (TUGT) [mean difference (MD): 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11 to 0.58] and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) (MD: −2.54; 95% CI: −3.93 to −1.15) in stroke patients. However, the results were not significant on the berg balance scale (BBS) (MD: −0.20; 95% CI: −1.44 to 1.04), lower extremity subscale of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE) (MD: −0.43; 95% CI: −1.70 to 0.84), 10-m walk test (10 MWT) (MD: −0.93; 95% CI: −2.68 to 0.82) and 6-min walking test (6 MWT) (MD: −2.55; 95% CI: −18.34 to 13.23).Conclusions: In conclusion, we revealed that tDCS might be an effective option for restoring walking independence and functional ambulation for stroke patients in our systematic review and meta-analysis.Systematic Review Registration: CRD42020207565.
Background/ObjectiveThe efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) varies across the stimulation targets. This study aims to estimate the effect of different TMS targets on motor symptoms in PD.MethodsA Bayesian hierarchical model was built to assess the effects across different TMS targets, and the rank probabilities and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values were calculated to determine the ranks of each target. The primary outcome was the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part-III. Inconsistency between direct and indirect comparisons was assessed using the node-splitting method.ResultsThirty-six trials with 1,122 subjects were included for analysis. The pair-wise meta-analysis results showed that TMS could significantly improve motor symptoms in PD patients. Network meta-analysis results showed that the high-frequency stimulation over bilateral M1, bilateral DLPFC, and M1+DLPFC could significantly reduce the UPDRS-III scores compared with sham conditions. The high-frequency stimulation over both M1 and DLPFC had a more significant effect when compared with other parameters, and ranked first with the highest SCURA value. There was no significant inconsistency between direct and indirect comparisons.ConclusionConsidering all settings reported in our research, high-frequency stimulation over bilateral M1 or bilateral DLPFC has a moderate beneficial effect on the improvement of motor symptoms in PD (high confidence rating). High-frequency stimulation over M1+DLPFC has a prominent beneficial effect and appears to be the most effective TMS parameter setting for ameliorating motor symptoms of PD patients (high confidence rating).
Background. It is reported that impaired postural control in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) was associated with “core” trunk muscle incoordination. However, as the diaphragm is an important component of the “core” deep trunk muscle group, we still know little about the potential relationship between diaphragm dysfunction and NCLBP. Objectives. This case-control study is intended to investigate the changes of diaphragm morphological structure and function in young and middle-aged subjects with and without NCLBP by ultrasound evaluation and its possible validity in predicating the occurrence of NCLBP. Methods. 31 subjects with NCLBP (NCLBP group) and 32 matched healthy controls (HC group) were enrolled in this study. The diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration (Tins) or expiration (Texp) during deep breathing was measured through B-mode ultrasound, and the diaphragm excursion (Texc) was estimated at deep breathing through M-mode ultrasound. The diaphragm thickness change rate (Trate) was calculated by the formula: T r a t e = T i n s − T exp / T exp × 100 % . Results. Compared with the HC group, the NCLBP group had a significant smaller degree of Tins (t = −3.90, P < 0.001 ), Texp (Z = −2.79, P = 0.005 ), and Trate (t = −2.03, P = 0.047 ). However, there was no statistical difference in Texc between the two groups (t = −1.42, P = 0.161 ). The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that Trate (OR = 16.038, P = 0.014 ) and Texp (OR = 7.714, P = 0.004 ) were potential risk factors for the occurrence of NCLBP. Conclusions. The diaphragm morphological structure and function were changed in young and middle-aged subjects with NCLBP, while the diaphragm thickness change rate (Trate) and diaphragm thickness at the end of expiration (Texp) may be conductive to the occurrence of NCLBP. Furthermore, these findings may suggest that abnormal diaphragm reeducation is necessary for the rehabilitation of patients with NCLBP.
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