Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Treadmill Gait Training in Delayed Neuro-psychomotor Development

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to describe the results of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with treadmill training in a child with delayed neuro-psychomotor development. [Subject and Methods] Transcranial direct current stimulation (intensity: 1 mA) was applied over the primary motor cortex for 20 minutes during simultaneous treadmill training (2.5 km/h) in ten sessions. [Results] Clinically significant improvement was found in motor development (fine motor subscale, 23 to 25; gross motor subscale, 32 to 41). Reductions in mean oscillation of the center of pressure were found in the anteroposterior (239.2 to 146.5 mm) and mediolateral (177.4 to 149.2 mm) directions. Increases occurred in cadence (106 to 123 steps/minute), step length (0.16 to 0.23 m), step width (0.09 to 0.14 m) and gait velocity with support (0.3 to 0.7 m/s). [Conclusion] After treatment, the child was able to initiate the standing position for the first time and walk without support.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Xbox-Kinect Game Experience on Upper Limb Movement in Down Syndrome: A Case Report

“…When selected based on executive properties, Xbox Kinect activities favor a gamut of objectives related to motor and cognitive learning (Gamberini et al, 2006;Jung et al, 2009;Biddiss and Beng, 2010;Damian et al, 2014). The combination of anodal tDCS administered over the primary motor cortex during motor training involving Xbox Kinect games has been used in several studies with the aim of improving gait and upper limb movements (Grecco et al, 2014b(Grecco et al, , 2017Moura et al, 2016;Duarte et al, 2019;Lazzari et al, 2019). This stimulation method combined with the executive potential of the game can modulate cortical excitability, thereby enhancing the effects obtained with training.…”

Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Evidence Based Update 2016

“…No serious adverse effects have been reported. tDCS has been investigated in children with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, stroke, encephalitis, epilepsy, schizophrenia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [76], [77], [78], [79], [49], [61], [80], [51], [50], [81], [82], [83]. According to clinicaltrials.gov, current studies in pediatric applications of tDCS include perinatal stroke, cerebral palsy, dystonia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism.…”

“…Specific to children with cerebral palsy, in 8 tDCS studies published between 2013 and June 2015, not one of the combined 176 children incurred a serious adverse event [79], [80], [50], [81], [82], [83], [85], [86]. Current intensities ranged from 0.7 to 2.0 mA, with 9–20 minute sessions varying between single or serial sessions (10 maximum consecutive daily sessions).…”

Effect of a single session of transcranial direct-current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial

“…This configuration was also used in previous studies involving the same CP population conducted by Grecco et al. 33 , 34 ) and Duarte et al 35 ) . In the present investigation, a statistically significant difference between groups was only found with regard to body sway velocity.…”