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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of brain-computer interface (BCI) based on visual, auditory and motor feedback combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on upper limb function in stroke patients. MethodsFrom March to October, 2023, 45 stroke inpatients in Xuzhou Rehabilitation Hospital and Xuzhou Central Hospital were divided into BCI group (n = 15), tDCS group (n = 15) and combined group (n = 15) randomly. All the groups received routine rehabilitation, while BCI group received BCI training, tDCS group received tDCS, while the combined group received tDCS and followed by BCI training immediately, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and delta-alpha ratio (DAR) and power ratio index (PRI) of electroencephalogram before and after treatment. ResultsThe scores of FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI increased in all the groups after treatment (|t| > 5.350, P < 0.001), and all these indexes were the best in the combined group (F > 3.366, P < 0.05); while DAR and PRI decreased in all the groups (|t| > 2.208 , P < 0.05), they were the best in the combined group (F > 5.224, P < 0.01). ConclusionBCI based on visual, auditory and motor feedback combined with tDCS can further improve the motor function of upper limbs and the activities of daily living of stroke patients.
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ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the cognitive function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) on tDCS for Parkinson's disease were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, VIP and Wanfang Data from the inception to September, 2023. Control group was administered standard Parkinson's medications or placebo, physical therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation, while treatment group received tDCS additionally. The quality of the researches was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data synthesis and analysis were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. ResultsEight articles were included. tDCS significantly improved the scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MD = 2.00, 95%CI 1.13 to 2.87, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the scores of Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (MD = 0.73, 95%CI -5.78 to 7.23, P = 0.830), Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ(MD = -0.77, 95%CI -7.14 to 5.60, P = 0.810), and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Ⅲ (MD = 1.60, 95%CI -0.77 to 3.97, P = 0.190). ConclusiontDCS may improve cognitive function of patients with Parkinson's disease.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of multi-target transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and single-target tDCS on the performance of working memory-postural control dual-task in healthy adults, and to compare the regulatory effect of the two stimulation protocols. MethodsFrom November, 2020 to February, 2021, 19 healthy adults in Shanghai University of Sport were recruited and randomly accepted multi-target tDCS, single-target tDCS and sham stimulation with at least one week interval between any two stimulation protocols. The target areas of multi-target tDCS included left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) and bilateral primary motor cortex (M1), and single-tDCS only applied to L-DLPFC. Before and after stimulation, participants completed walking and standing balance tests under single task and dual-task conditions with the second task being a N-back task. The dual-task postural control performance, dual-task cost (DTC) and working memory performance were observed before and after stimulation. ResultsSignificant differences were observed among three stimulation protocols in the changes of stride variability (F = 3.792, P = 0.029), DTC of stride variability (F = 3.412, P = 0.040) and velocity of center of pressure (Vcop) (F = 3.815, P = 0.029). The stride variability (P = 0.047) and Vcop (P = 0.015) were significantly lower and the decrease in DTC of stride variability tended to be significant (P = 0.073) following multi-target tDCS, as compared to sham stimulation. Single-target tDCS significantly decreased the changes of stride variability (P = 0.011), DTC of stride variability (P = 0.014) and Vcop (P = 0.025), as compared to sham stimulation. Compared with single target tDCS, multi-target tDCS reduced the changes of the dual-task cost of the area of center of pressure (P = 0.035). Moreover, no significant difference was observed among the three stimulation protocols in the changes of each measure in the working memory test (P > 0.05). ConclusionBoth multi-target tDCS and single-target tDCS can improve the performance of working memory-postural control dual-task in healthy adults, and compared with single-target tDCS, multi-target tDCS has some advantages in regulating postural control.
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Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has mixed effects for major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms, partially owing to large inter-experimental variability in tDCS protocols and their correlated induced electric fields (E-fields). We investigated whether the E-field strength of distinct tDCS parameters was associated with antidepressant effect. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed with placebo-controlled clinical trials of tDCS enrolling MDD patients. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 10, 2023. Effect sizes of tDCS protocols were correlated with E-field simulations (SimNIBS) of brain regions of interest (bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC] and bilateral subgenual anterior cingulate cortex [sgACC]). Moderators of tDCS responses were also investigated. Results: A total of 20 studies were included (21 datasets, 1,008 patients), using 11 distinct tDCS protocols. Results revealed a moderate effect for MDD (g = 0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.64), while cathode position and treatment strategy were found to be moderators of response. A negative association between effect size and tDCS-induced E-field magnitude was seen, with stronger E-fields in the right frontal and medial parts of the DLPFC (targeted by the cathode) leading to smaller effects. No association was found for the left DLPFC and the bilateral sgACC. An optimized tDCS protocol is proposed. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for a standardized tDCS protocol in MDD clinical trials. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022296246.
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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is characterized by persistent pain in the pelvic region for more than six months, affecting both men and women and causing significant impairment in quality of life (QoL). Two of the main non-invasive approaches are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). These techniques aim to modulate neural activity and promote pain relief. In this context, this research conducted an integrative literature review to summarize the results of relevant studies, aiming to identify the key parameters used in TMS and tDCS for CPP treatment. The objective was to assess the effect and efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation as a therapeutic intervention for CPP. CONTENTS: For this integrative review, electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, examining studies in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The keywords "pelvic pain," "transcranial direct current stimulation," and "transcranial magnetic stimulation" and their derivatives were searched in the three languages in studies from 2013 to 2023. Seven studies were included for analysis. Both techniques showed positive effects in managing CPP, improving pain levels and quality of life to a relevant extent. However, there is still no consensus on the parameters applied in TMS and tDCS techniques for CPP. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive neuromodulation improves pain levels and quality of life in patients with CPP. Further studies are needed to establish more reliable parameter relationships, and the limited number of studies restricts definitive conclusions on the subject.
RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pélvica crônica (DPC) é caracterizada pela persistência da dor na região pélvica por mais de seis meses, afetando tanto homens quanto mulheres e causando prejuízos significativos na qualidade de vida (QV). Duas das principais abordagens não invasivas são Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana (EMT) e a Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua (ETCC). Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa realizou uma revisão integrativa da literatura com o intuito de resumir os resultados de estudos relevantes, buscando identificar os principais parâmetros utilizados no tratamento da DPC. O objetivo foi fornecer uma visão abrangente sobre essas técnicas de neuromodulação e suas aplicações específicas no controle da dor pélvica crônica. CONTEÚDO: Para esta revisão integrativa, as buscas eletrônicas ocorreram nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane e Scopus, verificando estudos em português, inglês ou espanhol. "Dor pélvica", "estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua" e "estimulação magnética transcraniana" e suas derivações foram pesquisadas nos três idiomas em estudos entre 2013 e 2023. Sete estudos foram incluídos para análise. Ambas as técnicas apresentaram efeitos positivos no manejo da DPC, melhorando os níveis de dor e a QV em proporções relevantes. Entretanto, ainda não há um consenso sobre os parâmetros aplicados nas técnicas de EMT e ETCC para DPC. CONCLUSÃO: A neuromodulação não invasiva melhora os níveis de dor e a QV em pacientes com DPC. São necessários mais estudos para que relações mais confiáveis de parâmetros possam ser preestabelecidas e a ausência de um maior número de estudos limita conclusões acerca do assunto.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) on upper limb and finger dysfunction after right brain injury (RBI). MethodsFrom October, 2020 to May, 2022, 40 RBI patients in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 20 patients in each group. All the patients accepted conventional drug treatment, conventional rehabilitation treatment and functional occupational therapy. The cathode electrode was placed in the M1 area of the uninjured side of brain, then the control group received sham stimulation and the experimental group received stimulation, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and -Finger, and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, FMA-Finger and MBI improved in the two groups (t > 5.627, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.161, P < 0.05). ConclusionctDCS can effectively improve the motor function of upper limbs and fingers of RBI patients, and improve the ability of activities of daily living.
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Objective: To observe the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on nerve injury markers and prognosis in patients with acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning (ASCOP) . Methods: In May 2021, 103 ASCOP patients were treated in the emergency department of Harrison International Peace Hospital of Hebei Medical University from November 2020 to January 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received tDCS treatment. The control group (50 cases) were given oxygen therapy (hyperbaric oxygen and oxygen inhalation) , reducing cranial pressure, improving brain circulation and cell metabolism, removing oxygen free radicals and symptomatic support, and the observation group (53 cases) was treated with 2 weeks of tDCS intensive treatment on the basis of conventional treatment. All patients underwent at least 24 h bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, BIS value was recorded at the hour and the 24 h mean value was calculated. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and serum S100B calcium-binding protein (S100B) were detected after admission, 3 d, 7 d and discharge. Follow-up for 60 days, the incidence and time of onset of delayed encephalopathy (DEACMP) with acute carbon monoxide poisoning in the two groups were recorded. Results: The NSE and S100B proteins of ASCOP patients were significantly increased at admission, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.711, 0.326) . The NSE and S100B proteins were further increased at 3 and 7 days after admission. The increase in the observation group was slower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P(3 d)=0.045, 0.032, P(7 d)=0.021, 0.000) ; After 14 days, it gradually decreased, but the observation group decreased rapidly compared with the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.009, 0.025) . The 60 day follow-up results showed that the incidence of DEACMP in the observation group was 18.87% (10/53) , compared with 38.00% (19/50) in the control group (P=0.048) ; The time of DEACMP in the observation group[ (16.79±5.28) d] was later than that in the control group[ (22.30±5.42) d], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.013) . Conclusion: The early administration of tDCS in ASCOP patients can prevent the production of NSE and S100B proteins, which are markers of nerve damage. and can improve the incidence and time of DEACMP.
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Humans , Biomarkers , Brain Diseases/therapy , Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/therapy , Oxygen , Phosphopyruvate Hydratase , Prognosis , S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit , Transcranial Direct Current StimulationABSTRACT
There are few researches on the modulation effect of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) on complex spatial cognition. Especially, the influence of tDCS on the neural electrophysiological response in spatial cognition is not yet clear. This study selected the classic spatial cognition task paradigm (three-dimensional mental rotation task) as the research object. By comparing the changes in behavior and event-related potentials in different modes of tDCS before, during and after the application of tDCS, this study analyzed the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of tDCS on mental rotation. The comparison between active-tDCS and sham-tDCS showed no statistically significant difference in behavior between different stimulation modes. Still, the changes in the amplitudes of P2 and P3 during the stimulation were statistically significant. Compared with sham-tDCS, the amplitudes of P2 and P3 in active-tDCS mode showed a greater decrease during the stimulation. This study clarifies the influence of tDCS on the event-related potentials of the mental rotation task. It shows that tDCS may improve the brain information processing efficiency during the mental rotation task. Also, this study provides a reference for an in-depth understanding and exploration of the modulation effect of tDCS on complex spatial cognition.
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation , Cognition , Evoked Potentials , BrainABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) combined with upper limb robot therapy (RT) on the rehabilitation of upper limb motor function in stroke patients.Methods:Forty patients with stroke hemiplegia who met the enrollment criteria were randomly divided into a pseudo-stimulation group ( n = 20) and a stimulation group ( n = 20). In addition to conventional treatment in both groups, ctDCS + RT was used in the stimulation group, and sham stimulation + RT was used in the sham-stimulation group. Treatment was performed 10 times, 5 times per week, for 30 minutes each time. Patients in both groups were evaluated before, during, and after treatment using the Brunnstrom Staging Scale, the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scale, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), respectively. Results:Compared with the same group before treatment, there were statistically significant differences in Brunnstrom’s rating grade Ⅳ for upper limbs and hands in both groups during and after treatment (all P < 0.05). Compared with the same group during treatment, there were statistically significant differences in Brunnstrom’s rating grade Ⅳ for upper limbs and hands in both groups after treatment (all P < 0.05). MBI scores were higher in two groups during and after treatment compared to the same group before treatment (all P < 0.05). MBI scores were higher in two groups after treatment compared to the same group during treatment (all P < 0.05). The MBI scores after treatment in the stimulation group were higher than those in the pseudo-stimulation group ( P < 0.05). The MAS scores of elbow flexion grade 2 and extension grade 4 and shoulder flexion grade 2, extension grade 2, adduction grade 2, and abduction grade 2 were lower in both groups after treatment compared with the same group before treatment (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robotic therapy can effectively promote upper limb motor function rehabilitation in stroke patients and is superior to upper limb robotic therapy alone.
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Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is a common speech disorder after stroke, involving at least 1/3 of stroke patients, and causing serious adverse effects on their lives and work. The available intervention measures include speech and language rehabilitation therapy, drug therapy, and non-invasive brain stimulation technology. The latter mainly includes transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS can have a positive impact on PSA by promoting its self-repair, regulating the level of neurotransmitters, and inhibiting inflammation. This article reviews the effect of tDCS on the self-recovery mechanism of PSA and its treatment.
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Post-stroke depression (PSD) refers to a series of affective disorder syndrome characterized by low mood and lack of interest after stroke, often accompanied by physical symptoms, which is a common complication of stroke. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have been widely used in the treatment of PSD in recent years. This article summarizes the research progress of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of PSD.
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Sports fatigue of the lower limbs is one of the important factors affecting sports performance. How to improve the anti-fatigue ability of the lower limbs during endurance exercise is the focus of the research field of human sports biomechanics. This study systematically reviewed the relevant literature on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention on lower limb endurance performance, summarized the effect of tDCS on lower limb endurance performance, and analyzed the influencing factors and potential mechanisms. The results showed that: tDCS intervention has a significant effect on the endurance performance of the whole lower limbs, but there is no unified conclusion on the effect on the endurance performance of the knee joint. The researchers deem that tDCS can increase the excitability of the primary motor cortex and reduce the activation of the supplementary motor area and the premotor area to producing a lower rating of perceived exertion, but cannot affect the perception of exercise-induced pain, and stimulation protocols varied across studies, which may be partly responsible. This study can provide a theoretical basis for exploring the central mechanism of tDCS to improve endurance performance, formulating rehabilitation and sports training programsfor different groups of people, and developing new stimulation equipment to enhance the human body’s anti fatigue ability.
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Background The converter stations of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines generate special total electric fields. At present, few investigations have been conducted on total electric fields in the workplace of converter stations from an perspective of occupational health. Objective To understand the current situation of total electric field strength in the workplace of converter stations. Methods Using purposive sampling, a calibrated HDEM-1 direct current (DC) total electric field strength measurement system was used to measure the total electric fields of 12 converter stations serving 6 DC lines in Southeast and Southwest China according to the Measurement method for total electric field strength and ion current density of the converter stations and DC transmission lines (DL/T 1089—2008). The results were evaluated according to occupational exposure limits recommended by The limits of electromagnetic environment at ±800 kV UHV DC converter station (DL/T 275—2012), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Results A total of 615 check points were planned, the total electric field strength was 0.05-37.05 kV·m−1, and the median was 10.45 kV·m−1. The total electric field strength of 39 check points (6.3%) exceeded 25 kV·m−1 (the limits of ACGIH and ICNIRP), and the total electric field strength of 12 check points (2.0%) exceeded 30 kV·m−1 (the limit of DL/T 275—2012). There were statistically significant differences in the total electric field strength values and the proportions of exceeding 25 kV·m−1 between the neutral regions and the positive regions and between the neutral regions and the negative regions (P < 0.01). The proportion of total electric field strength exceeding 30 kV·m−1 in the negative regions was higher than that in the positive regions (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the total electric field strength of converter stations at different voltage levels and different altitudes (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportions of total electric field exceeding 25 kV·m−1 and exceeding 30 kV·m−1 in converter stations at different voltage levels and different altitudes (P > 0.05). Conclusion The total electric field in some workplace of converter stations exceeds selected limits. Converter station operators may be exposed to high-strength total electric field for a short time.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) on premotor cortex (PMC) on upper limb motor function in patients with severe stroke. MethodsFrom June, 2021 to December, 2022, 60 patients with severe stroke in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), primary motor cortex (M1) group (n = 20) and PMC group (n = 20). All the groups accepted routine rehabilitation treatment, while the control group accepted atDCS pseudo stimulation to the focus side PMC, M1 group accepted atDCS to the focus side M1, and PMC group accepted atDCS to the focus side PMC, for six weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the surface electromyography root mean square (RMS) ratio of affected/unaffected side of triceps and extensor carpus were used to evaluate the efficacy before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and WMFT, and RMS ratio of triceps and extensor carpus significantly increased in all the groups (|t| > 2.458, P < 0.05), and were better in PMC group than in the other two groups (F > 4.084, P < 0.05). ConclusionatDCS on PMC could improve the overall function of upper limb in patients with severe stroke.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) combined with rehabilitation robot on upper limb and hand dysfunction in patients with subacute stroke. MethodsFrom December, 2019 to December, 2021, 50 inpatients with subacute stroke in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 25) and experimental group (n = 25). Both groups received routine rehabilitation therapy, while the control group added sham HD-tDCS combined with rehabilitation robot, and the experimental group added HD-tDCS combined with rehabilitation robot, for four weeks. The upper limb and hand function was assessed with Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of ARAT, FMA-UE and MAS increased in the two groups (∣Z∣ > 3.320, t > 6.379, P < 0.01), while the scores of FMA-UE and MAS were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (Z = -2.379, t = 3.181, P < 0.05), as well as the scores of grasping and gross motor of ARAT (∣Z∣ > 2.033, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe combination of HD-tDCS and rehabilitation robot can be more effective on upper limb and hand function in patients with subacute stroke than rehabilitation robot alone.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with acupuncture on central and upper limb function in stroke patients at flaccid stage based on central-peripheral-central theory. MethodsFrom September, 2018 to December, 2021, 120 patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke in Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital were selected and randomly divided into control group 1 (n = 40), control group 2 (n = 40) and experimental group (n = 40). All the groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment. In addition, the control group 1 received acupuncture treatment, the control group 2 received anodal tDCS, and the experimental group received combined treatment of both, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. Electroencephalograph (EEG) was used to detect brain symmetry index (BSI), and electromyography (EMG) was used to detect root mean square values (RMS) of triceps brachii, biceps brachii, extensor wrist and flexor wrist of the affected upper limbs. ResultsTwo cases in the control group 1, one in the control group 2 and one in the experimental group dropped off, respectively. After treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and MBI significantly increased in all the groups (t > 11.757, P < 0.001), and they were higer in the experimental group than in the control groups (P < 0.001); the BSI decreased in the control group 2 and the experimental group (t > 2.324, P < 0.05), and it was less in the experimental group than in the control group 2 (P < 0.05); the RMS of biceps increased in all the groups (t > 2.953, P < 0.01), and was higer in the experimental group than in the control groups (P < 0.05); the RMS of flexor wrist and triceps increased in the control group 1 and the experimental group (t > 2.230, P < 0.05), and were higher in the experimental group than in the control group 1 (P < 0.05); the RMS of wrist extensor muscle increased only in the experimental group (t = 3.350, P < 0.01). ConclusiontDCS combined with acupuncture based on central-peripheral-central theory could effectively improve the upper limb function of stroke patients at flaccid stage, with advantages in improving hemispheric asymmetry and enhancing the activation level of affected muscles.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with task-oriented rehabilitation training single pellet reaching and grasping (SPG) on the motor function of forelimb in rats with unilateral contusion of C5 spinal cord. MethodsA total of 60 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (sham group), spinal cord injury (SCI) group, tDCS group, SPG group, false group and tDCS+SPG group, with ten rats in each group. Only C5 lamina was removed in the sham group, and the C5 spinal cord contusion model was established by IH spinal cord impactor in the other five groups. The rats received tDCS in tDCS group, SPG in SPG group, tDCS without current in false group, tDCS combined with SPG in tDCS+SPG group, and no treatment in the SCI and the sham groups. The rats were evaluated with Rearing and Grooming tests, and motor-evoked potential (MEP). ResultsFour weeks after operation, compared with SCI group, the scores of Rearing and Grooming increased in tDCS group and tDCS+SPG group (P < 0.05), and they were more in the tDCS+SPG group than in tDCS group and SPG group (P < 0.05); the score of Grooming increased in SPG group (P < 0.05); while the amplitude of MEP increased in tDCS group, SPG group and tDCS+SPG group (P < 0.05), and the latency shortened in tDCS group and tDCS+SPG group (P < 0.05); and the amplitude increased more in tDCS+SPG group than in tDCS group and SPG group (P < 0.01). ConclusiontDCS could promote the recovery of motor function in rats with SCI, and the combination therapy of tDCS and task-oriented rehabilitation training is more effective.
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Objective:To observe any effect of combining music exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the motor control, balance and cognition of persons with Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:A total of 120 PD patients were randomly divided into a control group, a music exercise group, a tDCS group and a combined group, each of 30. All received routine rehabilitation training, while the music exercise, tDCS and combined groups were additionally provided with music exercise therapy, tDCS treatment or both, respectively. Version three of the unified Parkinson′s disease scale (UPDRSIII), a 10m reentry movement test, the Berg balance scale (BBS), the Activity Balance Confidence scale (ABC) and Montreal cognitive assessments were applied before and after 4 weeks of the treatments.Results:After the treatment, the average UPDRSIII score and 10m reentry movement time of the music exercise group were significantly lower than in the control group, while the average BBS and ABC scores were significantly higher than the control group′s averages. The tDCS group′s average MoCA scores on all of the items and its total score were significantly higher than those of the music exercise and control groups. The average UPDRSIII score and 10m reentry movement time of the combined group were the lowest after the treatment, and that group′s average BBS, ABC, MoCA and total scores were the highest, significantly better than the other three groups.Conclusion:Combining music exercise training with tDCS can effectively improve the motor functioning, balance and cognition of persons with PD.
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Objective:To observe any effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the cognition of stroke survivors and the integrity of their white matter fibers.Methods:Thirty persons with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) were randomly divided into an experimental group ( n=15) and a control group ( n=15). In addition to basic drug therapy and routine cognition training, the experimental group received 20 minutes of tDCS daily, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, while the control group received sham tDCS stimulation. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ cognitive functioning was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA). Their ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed to observe any changes in the integrity of their white matter fibers. Results:The average MMSE, MOCA and MBI scores of both groups had improved significantly after the treatment, but the improvement in the experimental group was significantly greater than among the controls. The average fractional anisotroposy value of the affected inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus in both groups was positively correlated with the group′s average MMSE score and MoCA score.Conclusion:tDCS can effectively improve the cognition and functioning in the activities of daily living of stroke survivors. Its mechanism may be related to improving the integrity of the white matter fibers involved.
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Objective:To observe any effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on learning, memory ability and the morphology of neurons in the hippocampus and cortex of rats with cognitive impairment, and also to seek any correlation between the rats′ behavior and the thickness of the granular layer in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into an observation group, a model group and a control group, each of 10. Cognitive impairment was induced in the observation and model groups by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine, while the control group was injected with saline solution over the same period of time. After successful modeling, the observation group was given tDCS, while the model and control groups were connected with electrodes but not given any electrical stimulation. After 16 consecutive days of treatment, behavioral changes of each group were quantified using a shuttle box and a Morris water maze. On the 30th day after the mode-ling, the brains were collected to observe any changes in the morphology of the hippocampal and cortical neurons. The thickness of the hippocampal granular layer was also measured.Results:In the observation group the average rate of electrical impulses after the intervention [(60.5±6.67)/min] was significantly less than in the model group [(145.8±19.31)/min], while the time to find a platform was significantly shorter. The rats of the observation group also crossed the D quadrant of the platform significantly more quickly than the model group, on average. Compared with the control group, the granular layer in the CA1 region of the hippocampus [(93.47±1.07)μm] was significantly thinner on average than in the model group but compared with the model group, the observation group had significantly thicker layers [95.17±1.49)μm] on average. The thickness was negatively correlated with the number of shocks and the time to find the platform, but positively correlated with the number of crossings of the platform in the D quadrant.Conclusions:The degree of impairment generated by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine correlates with the thickness of the CA1 granular layer of the hippocampus, at least in rats. tDCS can improve the learning and memory of such rats. Its mechanism may be related to promoting structural recovery of hippocampal cortical neurons and increasing the thickness of the granular layer.