Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physical or cognitive training in people with Parkinson\u2019s disease: a systematic review

Victor Spiandor Beretta,Priscila Nóbrega-Sousa,Núbia Ribeiro Conceição,Diego Orcioli-Silva,Rodrigo Vitório,Lilian Teresa Bucken Gobbi,Luana Karla Braz Fonseca Dantas

doi:10.1186/s12984-020-00701-6

Victor Spiandor Beretta, Priscila Nóbrega-Sousa + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-020-00701-6

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Abstract

BackgroundPharmacologic therapy is the primary treatment used to manage Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. However, it becomes less effective with time and some symptoms do not respond to medication. Complementary interventions are therefore required for PD. Recent studies have implemented transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with other modalities of interventions, such as physical and cognitive training. Although the combination of tDCS with physical and cognitive training seems promising, the existing studies present mixed results. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature is necessary.AimsThis systematic review aims to (i) assess the clinical effects of tDCS when applied in combination with physical or cognitive therapies in people with PD and; (ii) analyze how specific details of the intervention protocols may relate to findings.MethodsThe search strategy detailed the technique of stimulation, population and combined interventions (i.e. cognitive and/or physical training). Only controlled studies were included.ResultsSeventeen of an initial yield of 408 studies satisfied the criteria. Studies involved small sample sizes. tDCS protocols and characteristics of combined interventions varied. The reviewed studies suggest that synergistic effects may be obtained for cognition, upper limb function, gait/mobility and posture when tDCS is combined with cognitive and/or motor interventions in PD.ConclusionThe reported results encourage further research to better understand the therapeutic utility of tDCS and to inform optimal clinical use in PD. Future studies in this field should focus on determining optimal stimulation parameters and intervention characteristics for maximal benefits in people with PD.

Highlights

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta
The reviewed studies suggest that synergistic effects may be obtained for cognition, upper limb function, gait/mobility and posture when transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is combined with cognitive and/or motor interventions in PD
The reported results encourage further research to better understand the therapeutic utility of tDCS and to inform optimal clinical use in PD. Future studies in this field should focus on determining optimal stimulation parameters and intervention characteristics for maximal benefits in people with PD

Summary

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This leads to excessive GABAergic (inhibitory) signaling from the output nuclei of the basal ganglia to the thalamus and other subcortical structures [1, 2]. Pharmacologic therapy is the primary treatment used to manage Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. It becomes less effective with time and some symptoms do not respond to medication. Recent studies have implemented transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with other modalities of interventions, such as physical and cognitive training.

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