Effect of Repeated Sessions of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functional Balance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Trans cranial direct current stimulation is a new treatment for neuromodulation and in several studies showed positive effect on Parkinson's disease especially motor symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess additive effects of consecutive sessions of tDCS on functional balance in patients with PD. Method:In this pilot randomized double blind parallel study, 23 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) divided in two groups of real Trans Cranial Direct Current Stimulation plus occupational therapy and sham Trans Cranial Direct Current Stimulation plus occupational therapy and the effects of therapeutic sessions (8 sessions Trans Cranial Direct Current Stimulation with 0.6 mA/cm 2 current, 20 minute on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex ) were evaluated on balance just after therapeutic course and in 3 months follow-up.Results: There was no significant time-Group interaction in any time point showing that behavior of experimental and sham groups didn't differ regarding changes in BBS (df=1.44, F=0.91, p=0.38). Conclusion:Based on the results of the present study there is no significant effect of tDCS on functional balance in patients with PD at any time point.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treatment of chronic vestibular dysfunction in the elderly: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

“…Furthermore, DLPFC plays a key role in gating, postural stability and, motor planning. 38 , 39 It seems that tDCS stimulation over the DLPFC area may prime the central vestibular system during therapeutic intervention, providing the potential to enhance synaptic plasticity and alleviate the chronic vestibular symptoms.…”