Effects of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation on static balance in a patient with hemiparesis: a case study

Abstract

[Purpose] Cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is characterized by an abrupt onset of focal or global neurological signs and symptoms. Asymmetry of the limbs is common following a stroke due to hemiplegia or hemiparesis. [Subject and Methods] A male patient having suffered an ischemic stroke was initially evaluated using the Timed Up-and-Go Test and the Six-Minute Walk Test. Static balance was evaluated using a force plate (Kistler model 9286BA) for the stabilometry analysis of center of pressure (COP) sway. The data were interpreted using the SWAY software program (BTS Engineering) synchronized with the SMART-D 140® system. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; 2 mA) was applied over the primary motor cortex for 20 minutes during gait training on a treadmill. [Results] Under the condition of eyes open, reductions were found in anteroposterior sway (6.18%), trace length (3.3%) and sway velocity (3.3%) immediately following tDCS. [Conclusion] A single session of anodal tDCS combined with treadmill training had a positive effect on the static balance of a subject with chronic hemiparesis stemming from a stroke.

The effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation on static and dynamic postural stability in older individuals: a randomized double‐blind sham‐controlled study

“…The findings of the current study supported this hypothesis and indicated that participants who received cerebellar a‐tDCS had significantly less postural sway in AP and ML directions in the static conditions, which means a better static postural control. Due to lack of comparable studies in the literature, the findings in the current study will only be compared with a‐tDCS studies which investigated static postural stability of the individuals with postural disorders (Duarte et al ., ; Grecco et al ., ; Dumont et al ., ). In line with the findings in the current study, literature supports positive effect of a‐tDCS of M1 on the static postural control (Duarte et al ., ; Grecco et al ., ; Dumont et al ., ).…”

“…Due to lack of comparable studies in the literature, the findings in the current study will only be compared with a-tDCS studies which investigated static postural stability of the individuals with postural disorders Grecco et al, 2014;Dumont et al, 2015). In line with the findings in the current study, literature supports positive effect of a-tDCS of M1 on the static postural control Grecco et al, 2014;Dumont et al, 2015). Duarte et al (2014) have shown that gait training on a treadmill combined with M1 a-tDCS improved static balance which was demonstrated by reduction in AP and ML sway and improvement in functional performance in children with cerebral palsy .…”

“…Literature indicates effectiveness of a-tDCS of primary motor cortex (M1) on enhancement of posture, balance and gait parameters in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke or cerebral palsy (Geroin et al, 2011;Alon et al, 2012;Kaski et al, 2013Kaski et al, , 2014Duarte et al, 2014;Grecco et al, 2014;Dumont et al, 2015). In addition, some studies reported the positive effects of prefrontal a-tDCS on postural control and balance during dual tasking in healthy older adults (Zhou et al, 2015;Manor et al, 2016).…”

Protocol study for a randomised, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial involving virtual reality and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation for the improvement of upper limb motor function in children with Down syndrome

“…29 30 Moreover, a non-invasive brain stimulation method (tDCS) will be employed to facilitate motor cortical excitability in the areas subjacent to stimulation to enhance the effects of motor control and learning. [37][38][39][40][41][42] Lazzari et al 37 demonstrated the efficacy of the combination of tDCS and VR in potentiating motor effects on balance and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy. 37 This document offers a detailed description of a randomised, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial designed to determine the effectiveness of VR training combined with tDCS on upper limb movements in individuals with DS.…”

“…The results of clinical trials have demonstrated its considerable potential in the treatment of neurological disorders and the investigation of processes of cortical excitability modulation. [37][38][39][40][41][42] Moreover, this type of intervention offers a better condition for sham stimulation, which confers greater specificity to the findings. 39 40 In the rehabilitation process, the aim of neuromodulating techniques is to enhance local synaptic efficiency and alter the maladaptive plasticity pattern that emerges after a cortical injury.…”