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Effect of Anodic tDCS Over Motor Cortex Versus Cerebellum in Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol

Lucas Villalta Santos1, Jamile Benite Palma Lopes, Natália Almeida Carvalho Duarte

  • 1Health Sciences (Mr Santos, Ms Lopes, and Drs Duarte and Oliveira), Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Vento Leste-Specialized Childcare Habilitation (Mr Santos and Dr Grecco), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; Department of Electronic Information and Bioengineering (Dr Galli), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Integrated Human Movements (Dr Grecco), Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; Center of Pediatric Neurostimulation (Dr Grecco), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; University Center of Anápolis (Dr Oliveira), Anápolis, GO, Brazil.

Pediatric Physical Therapy : the Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
|May 29, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates how combining treadmill training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) impacts motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Findings will guide new therapeutic approaches for improving mobility and function.

Area of Science:

  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function in children.
  • Current rehabilitation strategies aim to improve gait and functional mobility.
  • Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques offer potential adjunct therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of treadmill training with anodic transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) targeting the primary motor cortex (Cz) versus the cerebellum (Cb) in children with spastic CP.
  • To evaluate clinical and functional outcomes including gait, mobility, balance, and gross motor function.
  • To assess the efficacy of atDCS as an adjunct to treadmill training for improving motor deficits in pediatric CP.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 30 children and adolescents with spastic CP.
  • Participants will be allocated to three groups: treadmill training with atDCS on Cz, atDCS on Cb, or sham tDCS on Cz.
  • Outcome measures include gait parameters, functional mobility, balance, gross motor function, and functional performance, assessed pre-intervention and at multiple follow-up points.
  • A crossover design will be employed every 3 months.

Main Results:

  • This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol and not completed results.

Conclusions:

  • This study protocol outlines a rigorous investigation into the potential benefits of combining atDCS with treadmill training for pediatric spastic CP.
  • The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into optimizing neurorehabilitation strategies for this population.
  • The study aims to determine the optimal stimulation target (Cz or Cb) for enhancing functional outcomes in children with CP.
Abstract

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