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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
A Modified Lean and Release Technique to Emphasize Response Inhibition and Action Selection in Reactive Balance
Published on: March 19, 2020
Effects of unstable resistance training combined with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on
Di Peng1, Shengnian Zhang1, Yu Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Objective:
This study examined the combined effects of unstable resistance training (URT) and high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on proprioception, balance, and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults, targeting both central neural drive and peripheral neuromuscular adaptations.
Method:
Ninety older adults (mean age 66.2 ± 3.3 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to five groups: (1) URT + a-tDCS, (2) URT + s-tDCS, (3) URT, (4) stable resistance training (SRT) and (5) a health education control group (HALE). All participants underwent an 8-week intervention (three sessions per week, 30 min per session). Participants in the URT + a-tDCS group received 2 mA stimulation for 20 min concurrently with URT sessions. Assessments of ankle proprioception, balance and fall risk were conducted at baseline and post-intervention.
Result:
Eight weeks of URT + a-tDCS significantly improved proprioception at dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, compared with URT + s-tDCS, URT, SRT and baseline (P < 0.05). URT + s-tDCS and URT enhanced proprioception at plantarflexion than baseline (P = 0.033; P = 0.021). Balance measurements (i.e. COP displacement, COP ellipse area and sway velocity index) under stable and unstable surfaces were significantly improved after URT + a-tDCS, compared with other three training modalities and baseline. The fall-risk declined significantly after URT + a-tDCS compared with HALE and baseline (P < 0.05). The change in sway velocity index was positively related to the change in proprioception at plantarflexion after 8-week URT intervention (R2 = 0.378, P = 0.015).
Conclusion:
The combined URT and a-tDCS intervention demonstrated synergistic effects, producing statistically significant improvements in proprioceptive acuity and balance parameters among older adults. This integrated intervention offers a promising approach to fall prevention and highlights the importance of targeting both central and peripheral mechanisms in rehabilitation strategies.
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