Evaluating Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as an Adjunct to In-Patient Physiotherapy in Paediatric Acquired...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Acquired brain injury (ABI) presents significant challenges for children and youth.
• Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of rehabilitation for pediatric ABI.
• Novel adjunct therapies are needed to enhance recovery outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an add-on therapy to inpatient physiotherapy for pediatric ABI.
• To evaluate eligibility, recruitment, retention, and tolerance of tDCS in this population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized feasibility trial involving children aged 5-18 with moderate to severe ABI.
• Participants received either active or sham anodal tDCS before physiotherapy sessions.
• Blinding of participants, therapists, assessors, and investigators was maintained.

Main Results:

• Only 6 out of 232 eligible children (2.6%) were recruited, with 4 participants enrolled.
• Retention was low, with only one participant completing the full protocol.
• The primary side effect reported was mild sub-electrode itchiness, indicating good tolerance.

Conclusions:

• The study was deemed infeasible due to significant challenges in eligibility and participant retention.
• Despite feasibility issues, the study procedures for assessment, treatment delivery, and data collection were viable.
• These established procedures can inform future research on tDCS for pediatric ABI.