Network-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation May Modulate Gait Variability in Young Healthy Adults

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Gait variability is linked to functional connectivity between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and default network (DN).
• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) offers a method to modulate brain network excitability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a novel DAN+/DN-tDCS paradigm on gait variability and characteristics in young healthy adults.
• To assess if simultaneous facilitation of DAN and suppression of DN excitability impacts gait parameters.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled study involving 48 healthy adults.
• Participants received either 20-minute DAN+/DN-tDCS or sham stimulation.
• Gait assessments were conducted before and after stimulation under normal, fast, and dual-task walking conditions.

Main Results:

• DAN+/DN-tDCS significantly reduced stride length variability in normal and fast walking.
• Variability in double-limb support time and step width was also reduced under specific conditions.
• No significant changes were observed in average gait speed or other average gait metrics.

Conclusions:

• A single tDCS session modulating DAN and DN excitability can decrease gait variability in healthy young adults.
• Gait variability appears to be specifically regulated by these distinct but connected cortical networks.
• Further research is needed to explore short- and longer-term effects and applicability in different populations.