Effects of electrode angle-orientation on the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on motor cortex excitability.

BACKGROUND: For effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electrical field distribution and coverage of the target areas play a decisive role. METHODS: We explored the effect of different angle-orientations of tDCS electrodes applied over the upper limb motor cortex (M1) on motor cortex excitability in healthy volunteers. Sixteen individuals received 1 mA anodal or cathodal tDCS through 35 cm2 electrodes over M1 for 15 min. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to examine tDCS-generated cortical excitability effects. The M1 electrode-orientation was following the right-left longitudinal plane, or positioned with 45° deviation from the midsagittal plane. Coverage of underlying brain and electrical field orientation were also investigated. RESULTS: Cortical excitability modulation was observed only when the electrode was aligned with 45° angle, which covered a larger area of the motor cortex. CONCLUSION: an electrode angle-orientation of 45° induces superior neuroplastic effects of M1 due to a better alignment with the motor cortex.

Effects of Cathode Location and the Size of Anode on Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Leg Motor Area in Healthy Humans.

Objective: Non-invasive brain stimulation such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves passing low currents through the brain and is a promising tool for the modulation of cortical excitability. In this study, we investigated the effects of cathode location and the size of anode for anodal tDCS of the right-leg area of the motor cortex, which is challenging due to its depth and orientation in the inter-hemispheric fissure. Methods: We first computationally investigated the effects of cathode location and the size of the anode to find the best montage for specificity of stimulation effects for the targeted leg motor area using finite element analysis (FEA). We then compared the best electrode montage found from FEA with the conventional montage (contralateral supraorbital cathode) via neurophysiological testing of both, the targeted as well as the contralateral leg motor area. Results: The conventional anodal tDCS electrode montage for leg motor cortex stimulation using a large-anode (5 cm × 7 cm, current strength 2 mA) affected the contralateral side more strongly in both the FEA and the neurophysiological testing when compared to other electrode montages. A small-anode (3.5 cm × 1 cm at 0.2 mA) with the same current density at the electrode surface and identical contralateral supraorbital cathode placement improved specificity. The best cathode location for the small-anode in terms of specificity for anodal tDCS of the right-leg motor area was T7 (10-10 EEG system). Conclusion: A small-anode (3.5 cm × 1 cm) with the same current density at the electrode surface as a large-anode (5 cm × 7 cm) resulted in similar cortical excitability alterations of the targeted leg motor cortex respresentation. In relation to the other stimulation conditions, the small-anode montage with the cathode positioned at T7 resulted in the best specificity.

Systems Analysis of Human Visuo-Myoelectric Control Facilitated by Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Healthy Humans.

Induction of neuroplasticity by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex facilitates motor learning of the upper extremities in healthy humans. The impact of tDCS on lower limb functions has not been studied extensively so far. In this study, we applied a system identification approach to investigate the impact of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the leg area of the motor cortex via the human visuo-myoelectric controller. The visuo-myoelectric reaching task (VMT) involves ballistic muscle contraction after a visual cue. We applied a black box approach using a linear ARX (Auto-regressive with eXogenous input) model for a visuomotor myoelectric reaching task. We found that a 20th order finite impulse response (FIR) model captured the TARGET (single input)-CURSOR (single output) dynamics during a VMT. The 20th order FIR model was investigated based on gain/phase margin analysis, which showed a significant (p < 0.01) effect of anodal tDCS on the gain margin of the VMT system. Also, response latency and the corticomuscular coherence (CMC) time delay were affected (p < 0.05) by anodal tDCS when compared to sham tDCS. Furthermore, gray box simulation results from a Simplified Spinal-Like Controller (SSLC) model demonstrated that the input-output function for motor evoked potentials (MEP) played an essential role in increasing muscle activation levels and response time improvement post-tDCS when compared to pre-tDCS baseline performance. This computational approach can be used to simulate the behavior of the neuromuscular controller during VMT to elucidate the effects of adjuvant treatment with tDCS.

Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over lower limb primary motor cortex on motor learning in healthy individuals.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique which alters motor functions in healthy humans and in neurological patients. Most studies so far investigated the effects of tDCS on mechanisms underlying improvements in upper limb performance. To investigate the effect of anodal tDCS over the lower limb motor cortex (M1) on lower limb motor learning in healthy volunteers, we conducted a randomized, single-blind and sham-controlled study. Thirty-three (25.81 ± 3.85, 14 female) volunteers were included, and received anodal or sham tDCS over the left M1 (M1-tDCS); 0.0625 mA/cm2 anodal tDCS was applied for 15 min during performance of a visuo-motor task (VMT) with the right leg. Motor learning was monitored for performance speed and accuracy based on electromyographic recordings. We also investigated the influence of electrode size and baseline responsivity to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the stimulation effects. Relative to baseline measures, only M1-tDCS applied with small electrodes and in volunteers with high baseline sensitivity to TMS significantly improved VMT performance. The computational analysis showed that the small anode was more specific to the targeted leg motor cortex volume when compared to the large anode. We conclude that anodal M1-tDCS modulates VMT performance in healthy subjects. As these effects critically depend on sensitivity to TMS and electrode size, future studies should investigate the effects of intensified tDCS and/or model-based different electrode positions in low-sensitivity TMS individuals.

Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (ctDCS) Impairs Balance Control in Healthy Individuals.

The cerebellum plays an important role in the planning, initiation and stability of movements, as well as in postural control and balance. Modulation of neural regions underlying balance control may be a potential alternative to treat balance impairments in cerebellar patients. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive and safe tool capable to modulate cerebellar activity. We aim to investigate the effects of cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) on postural balance in healthy individuals. Fifteen healthy and right-handed subjects were submitted to three sessions of ctDCS (anodal, cathodal and sham), separated by at least 48 h. In each session, tests of static (right and left Athlete Single Leg tests) and dynamic balance (Limits of Stability test) were performed using the Biodex Balance System before and immediately after the ctDCS. The results revealed that cathodal ctDCS impaired static balance of healthy individuals, reflected in higher scores on overall stability index when compared to baseline for right (p = 0.034) and left (p = 0.01) Athlete Single Leg test. In addition, we found significant impairment for left Athlete Single Leg test in comparison to sham stimulation (p = 0.04). As far as we know, this is the first study that points changes on balance control after ctDCS in healthy individuals. This finding raises insights to further investigation about cerebellar modulation for neurological patients.

Estimulação cerebral não invasiva excitatória sobre a atenção de adultos com sintomas do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade / Excitatory non-invasive brain stimulation over attention of adults with symptoms of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objetivos: avaliar a atenção de adultos com sintomas de transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH), quando submetidos a técnicas de estimulação cerebral não invasiva (ECNI) excitatória. Métodos: nesse estudo crossover 20 voluntários foram submetidos a uma sessão real e uma sham de Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana Repetitiva (EMTr) ou Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua (ETCC). A EMTr (10Hz) foi aplicada no córtex dorsolateral esquerdo. A ETCC foi aplicada colocando-se o ânodo no mesmo local e cátodo na região supraorbital contralateral (1mA e 20 minutos). A avaliação foi realizada através de testes neuropsicológicos, considerando os desfechos: atenção focada e sustentada; amplitude atencional, manipulação mental e resistência à interferência. Resultados: observou-se que a ECNI excitatória exerceu efeito distinto entre os grupos, prejudicando o desempenho atencional dos adultos saudáveis e beneficiando os pacientes com TDAH. Destaca-se que em relação à estimulação sham o grupo controle aumentou o desempenho atencional de forma significativa, possivelmente decorrente do efeito de aprendizagem, enquanto o grupo com TDAH só obteve aumento no desempenho após a aplicação da estimulação real. Conclusão: os achados ratificam a compreensão que a ECNI excitatória pode contribuir para melhora cognitiva em adultos com TDAH e sugerem que processo inverso pode acontecer em relação aos saudáveis.

Purpose: evaluate the attentional performance of adults with symptoms of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when submitted to excitatory non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). Methods: a crossover design were performed with 20 volunteers underwent to a real session and sham session using repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The rTMS (10Hz) was applied over left dorsolateral cortex. The tDCS was applied in the same place and the cathode over the contralateral orbital region (1mA and 20 minutes). The evaluation was done trought the neuropsycologhical tests regarding the following outcomes: focused and sustained attention; Attentional amplitude, mental manipulation (and resistance to interference. Results: it was observed that excitatory stimulation induces a distinct effect between groups, harming the atentional performance of health adults and improving the performance of the subjects with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is important to highlight that the sham stimulation in control group increase the attentional performance, possible due the learning effect. In the other hand, the group with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms only has an increase in performance after the real stimulation. Conclusion: this findings help in urderstading of excitatory NIBS could contribute to improve the cognitive performance in adults with ADHD and the opposite can happen with healthy subjects.

Opportunities for Guided Multichannel Non-invasive Transcranial Current Stimulation in Poststroke Rehabilitation.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability worldwide. Functional outcome depends on stroke location, severity, and early intervention. Conventional rehabilitation strategies have limited effectiveness, and new treatments still fail to keep pace, in part due to a lack of understanding of the different stages in brain recovery and the vast heterogeneity in the poststroke population. Innovative methodologies for restorative neurorehabilitation are required to reduce long-term disability and socioeconomic burden. Neuroplasticity is involved in poststroke functional disturbances and also during rehabilitation. Tackling poststroke neuroplasticity by non-invasive brain stimulation is regarded as promising, but efficacy might be limited because of rather uniform application across patients despite individual heterogeneity of lesions, symptoms, and other factors. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) induces and modulates neuroplasticity, and has been shown to be able to improve motor and cognitive functions. tDCS is suited to improve poststroke rehabilitation outcomes, but effect sizes are often moderate and suffer from variability. Indeed, the location, extent, and pattern of functional network connectivity disruption should be considered when determining the optimal location sites for tDCS therapies. Here, we present potential opportunities for neuroimaging-guided tDCS-based rehabilitation strategies after stroke that could be personalized. We introduce innovative multimodal intervention protocols based on multichannel tDCS montages, neuroimaging methods, and real-time closed-loop systems to guide therapy. This might help to overcome current treatment limitations in poststroke rehabilitation and increase our general understanding of adaptive neuroplasticity leading to neural reorganization after stroke.

The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on upper limb function in chronic stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This pilot double-blind sham-controlled randomized trial aimed to determine if the addition of anodal tDCS on the affected hemisphere or cathodal tDCS on unaffected hemisphere to modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) would be superior to constraints therapy alone in improving upper limb function in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to receive 12 sessions of either (i) anodal, (ii) cathodal or (iii) sham tDCS combined with mCIMT. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), motor activity log scale (MAL), and handgrip strength were analyzed before, immediately, and 1 month (follow-up) after the treatment. Minimal clinically important difference (mCID) was defined as an increase of ≥5.25 in the upper limb FMA. RESULTS: An increase in the FMA scores between the baseline and post-intervention and follow-up for active tDCS group was observed, whereas no difference was observed in the sham group. At post-intervention and follow-up, when compared with the sham group, only the anodal tDCS group achieved an improvement in the FMA scores. ANOVA showed that all groups demonstrated similar improvement over time for MAL and handgrip strength. In the active tDCS groups, 7/7 (anodal tDCS) 5/7 (cathodal tDCS) of patients experienced mCID against 3/7 in the sham group. CONCLUSION: The results support the merit of association of mCIMT with brain stimulation to augment clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke. However, the anodal tDCS seems to have greater impact than the cathodal tDCS in increasing the mCIMT effects on motor function of chronic stroke patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The association of mCIMT with brain stimulation improves clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke. The improvement in motor recovery (assessed by Fugl-Meyer scale) was only observed after anodal tDCS. The modulation of damaged hemisphere demonstrated greater improvements than the modulation of unaffected hemispheres.

Reprint of: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - Application in neuropsychology.

Non-invasive brain stimulation is a versatile tool to modulate psychological processes via alterations of brain activity, and excitability. It is applied to explore the physiological basis of cognition and behavior, as well as to reduce clinical symptoms in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Neuromodulatory brain stimulation via transcranial direct currents (tDCS) has gained increased attention recently. In this review we will describe physiological mechanisms of action of tDCS, and summarize its application to modulate psychological processes in healthy humans and neuropsychiatric diseases. Furthermore, beyond giving an overview of the state of the art of tDCS, including limitations, we will outline future directions of research in this relatively young scientific field.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on motor learning in healthy individuals: a systematic review / Efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua no aprendizado motor: uma revisão sistemática

Introduction Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used to modify cortical excitability and promote motor learning. Objective To systematically review published data to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on motor learning in healthy individuals. Methods Randomized or quasi-randomized studies that evaluated the tDCS effects on motor learning were included and the risk of bias was examined by Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL with no language restriction. Results It was found 160 studies; after reading the title and abstract, 17 of those were selected, but just 4 were included. All studies involved healthy, right-handed adults. All studies assessed motor learning by the Jebsen Taylor Test or by the Serial Finger Tapping Task (SFTT). Almost all studies were randomized and all were blinding for participants. Some studies presented differences at SFTT protocol. Conclusion The result is insufficient to draw conclusions if tDCS influences the motor learning. Furthermore, there was significant heterogeneity of the stimulation parameters used. Further researches are needed to investigate the parameters that are more important for motor learning improvement and measure whether the effects are long-lasting or limited in time. .

Introdução A estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) tem sido usada para modificar a excitabilidade cortical e promover o aprendizado motor. Objetivo Revisar sistematicamente os dados publicados para investigar os efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua sobre o aprendizado motor em indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos Foram incluídos estudos randomizados ou quase randomizados que avaliaram os efeitos da ETCC sobre o aprendizado motor. O risco de viés foi avaliado por meio da ferramenta Cochrane Collaboration. As seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas foram utilizadas: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, sem restrição de idioma. Resultados Foram encontrados 160 estudos. Depois de ler o título e o resumo, 17 deles foram selecionados, mas apenas 4 foram incluídos. Todos os estudos envolveram adultos saudáveis e destros e avaliaram o aprendizado motor por meio do Jebsen Taylor Test ou do Serial Finger Tapping Task (SFTT). Quase todos os estudos foram randomizados e todos foram cegos para os participantes. Alguns estudos apresentaram diferenças no protocolo do SFTT. Conclusão O resultado é insuficiente para tirar conclusões se a ETCC influencia o aprendizado motor. Além disso, houve uma significativa heterogeneidade dos parâmetros de estimulação utilizados nos estudos. Futuras pesquisas são necessárias para investigar quais são os parâmetros mais importantes para a melhoria do aprendizado motor e medir se os efeitos são duradouros ou limitados ao longo do tempo. .

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - application in neuropsychology.

Non-invasive brain stimulation is a versatile tool to modulate psychological processes via alterations of brain activity, and excitability. It is applied to explore the physiological basis of cognition and behavior, as well as to reduce clinical symptoms in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Neuromodulatory brain stimulation via transcranial direct currents (tDCS) has gained increased attention recently. In this review we will describe physiological mechanisms of action of tDCS, and summarize its application to modulate psychological processes in healthy humans and neuropsychiatric diseases. Furthermore, beyond giving an overview of the state of the art of tDCS, including limitations, we will outline future directions of research in this relatively young scientific field.

Transcranial direct current stimulation in the prophylactic treatment of migraine based on interictal visual cortex excitability abnormalities: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aims of this paper are (i) to compare the excitability of visual cortex in migraine patients with healthy volunteers; and (ii) if an abnormal excitability has been found, to modulate cortical excitability in migraine patients with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and observe their clinical and neurophysiological effects. METHODS: The study was divided into two steps. A cross-sectional study (step 1) was conducted to compare the cortical excitability of 23 migraineurs (11 with and 12 without aura) on 11 healthy individuals. On step 2, a randomized, double blinded, controlled pilot trial was carried on with 19 migraineurs, randomly divided into: experimental and control group. During 12 sessions, experimental and group received active tDCS to visual cortex and control group received sham tDCS. The headache diary was applied for a total of 90days (before, during and after tDCS sessions). Phosphene threshold (PT) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation was recorded to measure the excitability of the visual cortex before and after each session. RESULTS: Step 1 showed higher level of cortical excitability between migraineurs when compared to healthy volunteers; therefore, cathodal tDCS was applied over visual cortex in step 2. After tDCS application, a significant decrease was observed in a number of migraine attacks, painkiller intake and duration of each attack just in experimental group. The analysis of PT indicated no difference in cortical excitability after tDCS. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study suggested that inhibitory tDCS on visual cortex might be an alternative and non-pharmacological treatment for migraine prophylaxis. However the clinical improvements of patients after tDCS treatment are not correlated with changes in cortical excitability.

Site-specific effects of mental practice combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on motor learning.

Mental practice can induce significant neural plasticity and result in motor performance improvement if associated with motor imagery tasks. Given the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neuroplasticity, the current study tested whether tDCS, using different electrode montages, can increase the neuroplastic effects of mental imagery on motor learning. Eighteen healthy right-handed adults underwent a randomised sham-controlled crossover experiment to receive mental training combined with either sham or active anodal tDCS of the right primary motor cortex (M1), right supplementary motor area, right premotor area, right cerebellum or left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Motor performance was assessed by a blinded rater using: non-dominant handwriting time and legibility, and mentally trained task at baseline (pre) and immediately after (post) mental practice combined with tDCS. Active tDCS significantly enhances the motor-imagery-induced improvement in motor function as compared with sham tDCS. There was a specific effect for the site of stimulation such that effects were only observed after M1 and DLPFC stimulation during mental practice. These findings provide new insights into motor imagery training and point out that two cortical targets (M1 and DLPFC) are significantly associated with the neuroplastic effects of mental imagery on motor learning. Further studies should explore a similar paradigm in patients with brain lesions.