High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation improved dynamic postural control in patients with...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Concussions can cause lasting deficits in postural control, impacting daily function.
• Impaired balance and coordination are common sequelae of traumatic brain injuries like concussions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of anodal High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) targeting the primary motor cortex.
• To determine if HD-tDCS can ameliorate postural control impairments in individuals with a history of concussion.

Main Methods:

• Twenty participants with a concussion history underwent pre-testing using computerized dynamic posturography (SOT, MCT, US).
• Participants received either anodal or sham HD-tDCS.
• Postural control was reassessed at three time points within 1.5 hours after stimulation.

Main Results:

• Anodal HD-tDCS significantly improved the SOT composite score, visual score, and vestibular score compared to pre-test levels.
• Improvements in SOT composite and visual scores were sustained across all post-tests compared to sham stimulation.
• The SOT vestibular score showed significant improvement at early post-test intervals following anodal HD-tDCS compared to sham.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the initial evidence supporting the use of HD-tDCS for enhancing immediate and short-term dynamic postural control in adults with a concussion history.
• Anodal HD-tDCS demonstrates potential as a therapeutic intervention for post-concussion balance deficits.
• Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and optimal stimulation parameters.