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Innovative Therapy Combining Neck Muscle Vibration and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Association with
Sarah Millot1,2, Jean-Marie Beis1,2, Jonathan Pierret1,2
1UGECAM Nord-Est, Institut Régional de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Centre de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Lay Saint-Christophe, France.
Brain Sciences
|May 16, 2023
Summary
This study investigates a new rehabilitation method combining neck-muscle vibration and brain stimulation for unilateral spatial neglect (USN). The HEMISTIM protocol aims to improve recovery in patients with left-sided USN.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) poses significant challenges in rehabilitation, necessitating novel, integrable therapeutic approaches.
- Current occupational therapy for USN can be enhanced by innovative techniques targeting neural plasticity and multisensory integration.
- The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in spatial awareness and attention, making it a key target for USN interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the HEMISTIM protocol, an innovative combination of left-side neck-muscle vibration (NMV) and anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).
- To assess the immediate and long-term recovery effects of NMV and tDCS on patients with left-sided USN during occupational therapy.
- To explore the potential of NMV and tDCS to induce lasting intermodal recalibration and enhance conventional rehabilitation practices.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving four groups: control, Left-NMV, Left-NMV + sham-tDCS, and Left-NMV + anodal-tDCS.
- Intervention: 15-minute application of NMV and tDCS during occupational therapy sessions, three times weekly for three weeks.
- Outcome assessment: Repeated evaluations of USN using the Catherine Bergego Scale and other neuropsychological tests at baseline, during, and after the protocol.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to measure the evolution of the Catherine Bergego Scale score as the primary outcome.
- Secondary outcomes will assess various neuropsychological aspects of USN to provide a comprehensive understanding of treatment effects.
- Hypothesized mechanisms include enhanced multisensory integration via NMV and LTP-like plasticity induced by tDCS.
Conclusions:
- The HEMISTIM protocol offers a promising, integrated approach to enhance USN rehabilitation.
- Combining NMV with tDCS may lead to significant improvements in spatial neglect recovery.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and long-term benefits of this innovative therapeutic strategy.
