Effects of Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Timed Up and Go Test with Foot Placement in Chronic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a single session of cerebellar anodal cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on timed up and go test (TUG) with foot placement in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic stroke participated in this clinical trial. TUG test was carried out with four different foot positions, 1- spontaneous foot positions (SP), 2- symmetrical foot positions (SYP), 3- asymmetrical foot positions (PBNP), paretic foot behind the non-paretic foot, and 4- asymmetrical foot positions (NPBP), nonparetic foot behind the paretic foot, before and after using tDCS. Anodal tDCS (1.5 mA) was applied over the cerebellum for 20 minutes. Results: The time of the TUG test was significantly different after using tDCS at all foot positions: SP (P = 0.012), SYP (P = 0.010), PBNP (P = 0.047), and NPBP (P = 0.037). Conclusions: It seems that cerebellar tDCS can be a useful method in improving functional balance in chronic stroke patients.