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Cardiovascular Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Bimanual Training in Children With Cerebral
Manda L Keller-Ross1, Daniel P Chantigian, Samuel Nemanich
1Division of Rehabilitation Science (Drs Keller-Ross and Gillick and Mr Chantigian) and Division of Physical Therapy (Drs Keller-Ross, Nemanich, and Gillick), Department of Rehabilitation, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Insights
Combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and bimanual training did not alter cardiovascular or autonomic function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This intervention showed no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often involves motor cortex (M1) dysfunction.
- Autonomic and cardiovascular system impairments are common in children with CP.
- Non-invasive brain stimulation and motor training are potential therapeutic avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of combined cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the motor cortex (M1) and bimanual training on cardiovascular function in children with CP.
- To assess changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV).
Main Methods:
- Eight children (7-19 years) with CP participated in a 10-day intervention.
- Participants received 20 minutes of cathodal tDCS to the contralesional M1 combined with bimanual training.
- Measurements of MAP, HR, and HRV were taken before and after the intervention on days 1, 6, and 10.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in MAP or HR from baseline to post-intervention across the 3 measurement days.
- Systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not significantly change.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) remained unaffected by the 10-day intervention.
Conclusions:
- The combination of cathodal tDCS to M1 and bimanual training does not appear to influence autonomic or cardiovascular function in children with CP.
- This intervention strategy may not be effective for improving cardiovascular regulation in this population.
Purpose:
To determine the influence of combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the motor cortex (M1) and bimanual training on cardiovascular function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and HR variability (HRV) were measured immediately before and after 20 minutes of cathodal tDCS to contralesional M1 and bimanual training on days 1, 6, and 10 of a 10-day trial in 8 participants (5 females, 7-19 years).
Results:
Baseline MAP and HR were similar across days (93 ± 10 mm Hg and 90 ± 10 bpm, P > .05). MAP was similar from baseline to postintervention across all 3 days. Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, nor HR significantly changed. HRV was not influenced by the 10-day intervention.
Conclusions:
Combined cathodal tDCS to M1 and bimanual training does not influence autonomic and cardiovascular function in children with CP due to perinatal stroke.
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