Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Research Articles

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physical exercise increases postural sway in Parkinson's disease: a double-blind and cross-over study.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promising effects on postural control in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). However, the characteristics of the stimulation, such as the specific cortical area targeted and combination with exercise, seem to influence the tDCS effects. Therefore, analyzing these factors is essential for identifying key characteristics and optimizing rehabilitation protocols for postural control in PD.We aimed to analyze the efficacy of tDCS over the primary motor (M1) and pre-frontal cortices (PFC) combined with aerobic exercise on postural control in PwPD. Twenty-one PwPD participated in this crossover, randomized, and double-blind study. The intervention consisted of exercising on a treadmill at moderate intensity for 30 min while receiving the stimulation. tDCS was applied during the central 20 min of exercise over M1, PFC, or sham on 3 different days. Three one-minute trials were conducted with participants standing still on a force platform to assess the center of pressure parameters in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions in pre- and post-intervention. Time*stimulation interaction was observed for sway area (p = 0.038) and sway mean amplitude in both the AP (p = 0.009) and ML directions (p = 0.059, marginal effect). Post-hoc analysis indicated a larger sway area and mean amplitude in both directions post-intervention compared to pre-intervention after tDCS application to the M1 and PFC. No significant differences were observed for the sham condition. Our findings suggest that the combination of exercise and tDCS, regardless of the area stimulated, modifies postural control in PwPD, leading to a larger sway.

Characterization of responders to transcranial direct current stimulation in disorders of consciousness: A retrospective study of 8 clinical trials.

Characterization of responders to transcranial direct current stimulation in disorders of consciousness: A retrospective study of 8 clinical trials.

Recent advances of transcranial electrical stimulation in healthy aging and Parkinson's disease: Effects on dual tasking.

Dual tasking involves the simultaneous execution of two actions. In the context of healthy aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) engagement in dual tasking frequently results in impaired gait or upper limb performance, thereby affecting functional independence. Transcranial electrical stimulation is a non-invasive technique able to modulate brain activity, which might represent a potential tool for reducing dual task interference. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent findings about the use of transcranial electrical stimulation in improving dual tasking in the elderly and people with PD, including considerations about the optimal stimulation parameters. Differences in terms of stimulation protocols emerged across the included studies. Among transcranial electrical stimulation techniques, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was the most frequently employed. Currently, using tDCS to target dorsolateral prefrontal cortex either alone or in a multi-site fashion, along with a concurrent complex task, appears to be the most promising method for reducing dual task interference. Nevertheless, the lack of control over interindividual variability, the heterogeneity in outcome measures assessing dual tasking, and the variations in protocol elements like the frequency and the number of sessions prevented us from drawing definitive conclusions about the best paradigm.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Bilateral Ankle-Dorsiflexion Force Control in Healthy Young Adults

This study examined transient effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on bilateral force control in lower extremities. We recruited 14 healthy young adults and administered bilateral ankle-dorsiflexion force control tasks at 10% of maximal voluntary contraction. Participants were able to use real-time visual information on a targeted force level and forces produced by both feet. While performing bilateral force control, we provided active- and sham-tDCS in a random order. Bilateral tDCS protocol used for this study included anodal and cathodal stimulation targeting left and right leg areas of the primary motor cortex between hemispheres. Bilateral force control capabilities were estimated by calculating force accuracy, variability and regularity. In addition, we determined whether force control patterns differed between feet across active- and sham-tDCS conditions. The findings revealed that force accuracy and variability were significantly improved after applying active-tDCS protocol as compared with those for sham-tDCS condition. However, no differences in force control between feet were observed. These findings suggest that bilateral tDCS protocols may be a viable option for improving motor functions of lower limbs.

Influence of transcranial electrical stimulation on repair processes in rats

The studies were carried out to study the effect of transcranial electrical stimulation of the antinociceptive system of the brain on the healing process of skin wounds in laboratory animals. Object of study: non-linear white male laboratory rats in the amount of 80 animals. In the first experimental group, a transcranial electrical stimulation mode was used in the form of a combination of direct and alternating currents with analgesic parameters. In the second and third experimental groups, the same combination was used, but with different pulse frequencies - 50 and 90 Hz («frequencies of non-analgesic stimulation»). Sessions of transcranial electrical stimulation were carried out once a day for 30 minutes for three days after the application of skin wounds. Additionally: for three days before the wound and three days after the operation («preventive» and “therapeutic» effects): both analgesic and non-analgesic modes of electrical influence were used. Under the influence of transcranial electrical stimulation with analgesic current parameters (frequency 70 Hz), a significant acceleration (by 21%) of the healing process and a reduction in the average time for complete wound healing are observed. Transcranial impacts with «non-analgesic stimulation frequencies» (50 and 90 Hz) did not cause any changes in the rate of healing, compared to the control. The greatest acceleration of wound healing under the influence of medical procedures is reliably manifested on days 4-7 after their application, and in the control group on days 10-11. In the «preventive» group, the change in wound size was significantly faster than that in rats with the «therapeutic» effect: on the 4th day, the difference in the area of wounds between the experimental groups and the control was statistically significant and amounted to 12%, while the «therapeutic» effect On the 8th day it achieves a similar result.

Resting-state hemodynamic changes and effects on upper limb function after multi-channel transcranial direct current stimulation to the ipsilesional primary motor cortex and anterior intraparietal sulcus in stroke patients: an fNIRS pilot study

BackgroundStroke results in substantial long-term disability, necessitating effective recovery interventions. This study explored the effects of multi-channel transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on hemodynamic responses and upper limb motor function in stroke patients, targeting the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) and anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS).MethodsA double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial was conducted with 24 stroke patients (18 men; mean age, 57.3×14.2 years), who underwent 10 sessions of real or sham multi-channel tDCS combined with upper limb exercises. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measured resting-state cerebral hemodynamic responses for 5 min before and after each session. Motor function was evaluated using the Fugl–Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), box and block test (BBT), and other motor function tests before and after the interventions.ResultsThe real multi-channel tDCS group exhibited increases in regional accumulation of oxyhemoglobin (HbOAcc) and stronger seeded connectivity networks within the motor cortex poststimulation. In contrast, the sham group exhibited disassociation from these areas. The group × time interaction was significant for the Box and Block Test (BBT), indicating greater improvements in gross manual dexterity in the real-tDCS group compared to the sham group. While poststimulation changes in HbOAcc were examined in relation to FMA-UE scores, no strong linear relationship was observed in the real-tDCS group.ConclusionsMulti-channel tDCS targeting the ipsilesional M1 and aIPS, combined with upper limb exercises, showed potential effects on cerebral hemodynamics and motor function in stroke patients. These findings suggest that multi-channel tDCS may have a role in motor rehabilitation, but further research is needed to validate its efficacy and clinical applicability.ClinicalTrials.govThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05275114).

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Motor or Frontal Cortex in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Growing evidence has suggested clinical efficacy for the use of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) when combined with motor interventions in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, no studies have compared multiple approaches for improving motor function with atDCS in patients with CAI. We therefore aimed to determine the efficacy of atDCS over the motor or frontal cortex when combined with a four-week motor planning intervention on neural function, performance, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with CAI. Double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel randomized control trial. Participants (n=44, 15 males, 29 females, 23.6±6.1 yrs) were assessed for outcome measures of cortical and reflexive excitability; performance measures of dynamic balance, muscle activation, reaction times, and cognitive performance on a dual-task balance test; and patient-reported outcome measures at baseline, mid-training (week 2), post-training (week 4), and retention (week 6). After baseline testing, participants were randomized to receive atDCS over the motor cortex, frontal cortex, or a sham current during rehabilitation exercises over four weeks. Participants reported for eight training sessions where they were instrumented for atDCS while performing obstacle walking, dual-task balance, and agility exercises. Analyses between groups and time points were performed with mixed linear models (α=0.05). Forty-six individuals were recruited & randomized with 37 completing the investigation (motor=14, frontal=11, sham=12). No differences across groups or times were observed in neural excitability or muscle activation variables (P>0.05). Significant improvements in dynamic postural stability indices were observed from baseline across all groups (P<0.05). Improvements were observed for foot & ankle function, perceived disablement, and the Global Rating of Change at post-training and retention (p<0.001). Improvements in patient function were observed across all groups, suggesting the motor planning intervention improved function, regardless of atDCS application. Observing benefits from atDCS may be dependent on proper pairing of rehabilitation exercise with electrode location.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on craving and negative emotion regulation in individuals at risk for problematic pornography use: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Sexual craving and the alleviation of negative emotions are fundamental driving forces underlying problematic pornography use (PPU). In healthy individuals, these processes can be effectively attenuated through cognitive strategies mediated by the prefrontal cortex. However, PPU is associated with impaired cognitive control functions. This study aimed to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) could enhance the regulation of craving and negative emotions in individuals at risk for PPU. A randomized, within-subject, placebo-controlled design was used, in which 45 male individuals at risk for PPU (mean age = 20.18 years, SD = 1.03) received both active (2.5 mA for 20 min) and sham tDCS to the right DLPFC, with sessions separated by one week. During tDCS, participants at risk for PPU performed the regulation of craving (ROC) task, comparing cue-induced craving with instructed regulation, and the emotion regulation (ER) task, contrasting negative affect with instructed regulation. Subjective ratings of craving and negative emotions were collected for each trial. Our results demonstrated that individuals at risk for PPU effectively regulated their craving and negative affect when guided to use cognitive strategies. Furthermore, anodal tDCS of the right dlPFC during the craving regulation condition significantly reduced craving ratings compared to sham stimulation. However, no facilitative effect of right dlPFC anodal tDCS on ER was observed. These findings highlight the potential of tDCS as a novel therapeutic intervention for individuals with PPU, offering the first experimental evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing craving.

Addressing Phonological Deficit in Primary Progressive Aphasia With Behavioral Intervention and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.

Despite recognition of the underlying phonological impairment observed in the logopenic and nonfluent variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), there is relatively little treatment research directed toward strengthening phonological skills. In this study, we focused on remediating phonological deficits in logopenic and nonfluent PPA. Specifically, we hypothesized that behavioral intervention intended to strengthen phonological manipulation skills and sound-letter correspondences-coupled with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-would improve language abilities, especially in the written modality. Twelve individuals with logopenic or nonfluent variants of PPA and 24 neurotypical adults completed neuropsychological assessment that documented spoken and written language deficits in those with PPA. Phonological skills were consistently impaired in relation to other language processes. Following a double-blind, crossover design, six individuals with PPA were randomized to receive active tDCS with phonological intervention during the first treatment phase, and after a 2-month break, they received a second phase of behavioral intervention paired with sham tDCS. The other six individuals were randomized to receive sham first and active tDCS second. Language skills were evaluated before and after each treatment phase and 2 months after the intervention. Both treatment groups (tDCS-first and sham-first) made significant improvement in phonological transcoding skills in response to behavioral intervention, but those who received active tDCS first showed stronger gains in phonological manipulation ability. This group also showed positive changes in written narratives, which contained more grammatical sentences with increased meaningful content and more accurate spelling. These data provide compelling evidence supporting an approach that targets phonological deficits in logopenic and nonfluent PPA. Specifically, we found that improved phonological skills resulted in better functional communication ability (text-level writing) relevant to everyday life. Positive outcomes were strongest when tDCS was combined with behavioral treatment from the beginning, suggesting that this combination may potentiate positive changes that extend beyond the initial stimulation period. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28598195.

Somatodendritic orientation determines tDCS-induced neuromodulation of Purkinje cell activity in awake mice

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum is a promising non-invasive neuromodulatory technique being proposed for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how externally applied currents affect neuronal spiking activity in cerebellar circuits in vivo. We investigated how Cb-tDCS affects the firing rate of Purkinje cells (PC) and non-PC in the mouse cerebellar cortex to understand the underlying mechanisms behind the polarity-dependent modulation of neuronal activity induced by tDCS. Mice (n=9) were prepared for the chronic recording of local field potentials (LFPs) to assess the actual electric field gradient imposed by Cb-tDCS in our experimental design. Single-neuron extracellular recording of PCs in awake (n=24) and anesthetized (n=27) mice was combined with juxtacellular recordings and subsequent staining of PC with neurobiotin under anesthesia (n=8) to correlate their neuronal orientation with their response to Cb-tDCS. Finally, a high-density Neuropixels recording system was used to demonstrate the relevance of neuronal orientation during the application of Cb-tDCS in awake mice (n=6). In this study, we observe that Cb-tDCS induces a heterogeneous polarity-dependent modulation of the firing rate of PCs and non-PC in the mouse cerebellar cortex. We demonstrate that the apparently heterogeneous effects of tDCS on PC activity can be explained by taking into account the somatodendritic orientation relative to the electric field. Our findings highlight the need to consider neuronal orientation and morphology to improve tDCS computational models, enhance stimulation protocol reliability, and optimize effects in both basic and clinical applications.

Somatodendritic orientation determines tDCS-induced neuromodulation of Purkinje cell activity in awake mice.

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum is a promising non-invasive neuromodulatory technique being proposed for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how externally applied currents affect neuronal spiking activity in cerebellar circuits in vivo. We investigated how Cb-tDCS affects the firing rate of Purkinje cells (PC) and non-PC in the mouse cerebellar cortex to understand the underlying mechanisms behind the polarity-dependent modulation of neuronal activity induced by tDCS. Mice (n=9) were prepared for the chronic recording of local field potentials (LFPs) to assess the actual electric field gradient imposed by Cb-tDCS in our experimental design. Single-neuron extracellular recording of PCs in awake (n=24) and anesthetized (n=27) mice was combined with juxtacellular recordings and subsequent staining of PC with neurobiotin under anesthesia (n=8) to correlate their neuronal orientation with their response to Cb-tDCS. Finally, a high-density Neuropixels recording system was used to demonstrate the relevance of neuronal orientation during the application of Cb-tDCS in awake mice (n=6). In this study, we observe that Cb-tDCS induces a heterogeneous polarity-dependent modulation of the firing rate of PCs and non-PC in the mouse cerebellar cortex. We demonstrate that the apparently heterogeneous effects of tDCS on PC activity can be explained by taking into account the somatodendritic orientation relative to the electric field. Our findings highlight the need to consider neuronal orientation and morphology to improve tDCS computational models, enhance stimulation protocol reliability, and optimize effects in both basic and clinical applications.

Transcranial direct current stimulation enhances exposure–response prevention for contamination-related OCD: a randomized clinical trial

Transcranial direct current stimulation enhances exposure–response prevention for contamination-related OCD: a randomized clinical trial

Research hotspots and frontiers of neuromodulation technology in the last decade: a visualization analysis based on the Web of Science database

BackgroundSince the 1990s, neuromodulation technology has experienced rapid advancements, providing new therapeutic approaches for clinical rehabilitation in neurological disorders. The objective of this study is to utilize CiteSpace and VOSviewer to investigate the current research status, key topics, and future trends in the field of neuromodulation technology over the past decade.MethodsRelevant literature in the field of neuromodulation technology published in Web of Science database from January 1, 2014 to June 18, 2024 were retrieved, and imported into CiteSpace and VOSviewer for visualization. VOSviewer was used for counties, institutions, authors and keywords analyses. CiteSpace was used for presentation visualization analysis of co-cited references, keywords clusters and bursts.ResultsThis study encompasses a total of 1,348 relevant publications, with the number of publications showing an increasing trend year by year. The most significant growth was observed between 2020 and 2021. The United States, China and the United Kingdom are the three leading countries with high output in this regard. The top three institutions in terms of the publication volume are Harvard Medical School, the University of Toronto and Stanford University. Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis identified that deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and focused ultrasound stimulation are the most widely used central nerve stimulation techniques in neuromodulation. The treatment of intractable chronic pain also emerged as a key focus within neuromodulation techniques. The recent keywords bursts included terms such as recovery, movement, nucleus, modeling and plasticity, suggesting that the future research trend will be centered on these areas.ConclusionIn conclusion, neuromodulation technology is garnering increasing attention from researchers and is currently widely used in brain diseases. Future research is expected to delve deeper, particularly into exploring deep brain structure stimulation targets and restoring motor function based on neuroplasticity theory.

Repeated tDCS at clinically-relevant field intensity can boost concurrent motor learning in rats.

Electric fields used in clinical trials with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are small, with magnitudes that have yet to demonstrate measurable effects in preclinical animal models. We hypothesized that weak stimulation will nevertheless produce sizable effects, provided that it is applied concurrently with behavioral training, and repeated over multiple sessions. We tested this here in a rodent model of dexterous motor-skill learning. We developed a preparation that allows concurrent stimulation during the performance of a pellet-reaching task in freely behaving rats. The task was automated to minimize experimenter bias. We measured field magnitudes intracranially to calibrate the stimulation current. In this study, only male rats were used. Animals were trained for 20 min with concurrent epicranial tDCS over 10 daily sessions. Behavior was recorded with high-speed video to quantify reaching dynamics. We also measured motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) bilaterally with epidural microstimulation. The new electrode montage enabled stable stimulation over 10 sessions with a field intensity of 2V/m at the motor cortex. The number of successful reaches improved across days of training, and the rate of learning was higher in the anodal group as compared to sham-control animals (F(1)=7.12, p=0.008, N=24). MEPs were not systematically affected by tDCS. Post hoc analysis suggests that tDCS modulated motor learning only for right-pawed animals, improving success of reaching, but limiting stereotypy in these animals. Repeated and concurrent anodal tDCS can boost motor-skill learning at clinically-relevant field intensities. In this animal model the effect interacted with paw preference and was not associated with corticospinal excitability.Significance Statement The effects of tDCS have been explored in numerous human clinical trials, but the mechanisms of action of weak electric fields remain unclear. In vitro studies show that constant electric fields at 2.5 V/m can enhance the efficacy of synapses undergoing plasticity. This study demonstrates in a rodent model that tDCS of only 2 Vm when applied concurrently to behavioral training can improve motor skill learning, and reduce stereotypy of reaching behavior. These effects accumulated over 10 days of training. Motor evoked potentials (MEP), which are often used to demonstrate plastic effects in humans on a time scale of hours, were not measurably affected by tDCS on this longer time scale.

The simulation and experimental validation of a novel noninvasive multi-target electrical stimulation method

The brain is a complex system of structure and function. Brain diseases and brain functional abnormalities often involve multiple functionally connected regions, including the deep brain. Studies have shown that multi-target electrical stimulation is more effective than single-target electrical stimulation. However, non-invasive multi-target electromagnetic stimulation, such as multi-target transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) cannot meet the needs of synchronous multi-target accurate electrical stimulation at the deep brain. In this paper, based on the principle of magneto-acoustic coupling and phased array focusing technology, a novel non-invasive multi-target transcranial magneto-acoustic coupling electrical stimulation (multi-target TMAES) method is proposed. A simulation model and experimental system were established. The simulation and experimental results proved that the proposed multi-target TMAES can non-invasively achieve precise focused electrical stimulation of two targets. The average focal point size of each target is 5.1 mm. The location and intensity of the multi-target electrical stimulation can be flexibly changed by adjusting the system parameters according to the actual need. It will provide a new and promising tool for the treatment of brain diseases and the study of neural circuits and brain functional connectivity.

Modulating interhemispheric prefrontal dynamics of aggressive behavior: sex differences and the association with personal disposition.

A growing body of evidence has shown the key role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) in aggressive behavior, along with the chance of modulating it by means of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, the functional interplay between the two cerebral hemispheres in the regulation of aggressive behavior is still unclear. To address this issue, we assessed the effect of bi-hemispheric prefrontal tDCS in 76 healthy adults with a cross-over, double-blind, sham-controlled design. Half of the participants received the anodal stimulation over the right dlPFC and the cathodal stimulation over the left dlPFC (right anodal/left cathodal; Experiment 1), whereas the other half received the anodal stimulation over the left dlPFC and the cathodal stimulation over the right dlPFC (right cathodal/left anodal; Experiment 2). During tDCS, participants underwent the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm. All participants were also given self-report questionnaires measuring individual levels of aggression, impulsivity, and empathy to test whether these constructs were associated with the neuromodulation of aggressive responses at the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm. Results show a significant increase in aggressive reactions to provocation during right anodal/left cathodal prefrontal tDCS only within males, highlighting a sex-specific effect of the prefrontal neuromodulation that is also associated with individual levels of aggression. These findings provide a new insight into the brain mechanisms that regulate aggressiveness, their sex differences, and their association with dispositional aggressive tendencies.

Noninvasive brain stimulation as focal epilepsy treatment in the hospital, clinic, and home.

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) provides a treatment option for patients not eligible for surgical intervention or who seek low-risk approaches and may be used in the hospital, clinic, and at home. Our objective is to summarize our single-center experience with multiple NIBS approaches for the treatment of focal epilepsy. A retrospective chart review identified drug-resistant focal epilepsy patients who received NIBS as an epilepsy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Patients were typically treated as follows: (1) for TMS, 1 Hz stimulation was applied for five consecutive days in the neuromodulation clinic, (2) for outpatient tDCS, stimulation was applied for five consecutive days in the clinic, followed by optional treatment at home, and (3) for inpatient tDCS, stimulation was applied for three consecutive days. We analyzed continuous EEG data for the inpatient tDCS cohort and available HD-EEG data for outpatient cohorts to quantify changes in interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) as a result of stimulation. Outcomes were assessed at 1 month for TMS and outpatient tDCS and 1 week for inpatient tDCS. Twenty-four patients were treated with TMS (n = 10) and tDCS (n = 14, 9 as outpatients). The median age was 40 years (range 15-73). The median seizure reduction following stimulation was 50%. Fourteen patients (58%) were responders to treatment (TMS = 4/10, tDCS Outpatient = 7/9, tDCS Inpatient = 3/5). Five outpatient tDCS participants elected to continue treatment at home. Four TMS and four outpatient tDCS patients underwent high-density EEG before and after 5 days of therapy. Following stimulation, IED rate was reduced in 4/5 inpatient tDCS patients, 4/4 outpatient tDCS patients, and 4/4 TMS patients. Two patients experienced an increase in seizure frequency (1 following TMS and 1 following outpatient tDCS), which returned to baseline 4-6 weeks after stimulation treatments were discontinued. TMS and tDCS are potential treatment approaches for drug-resistant focal epilepsy patients in the hospital, clinic, and home. They have a favorable safety profile and can lead to a reduction in IED rates and seizures. These results suggest further studies are needed to examine NIBS as a treatment for epilepsy. Noninvasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation, offers new treatment options for patients with focal seizures. This study reviewed the experience at Mayo Clinic using noninvasive brain stimulation in the hospital, clinic, and at-home settings to treat seizures. The results showed an overall 50% median seizure reduction, and 58% of patients had at least a 50% reduction in seizures. Noninvasive brain stimulation is a promising treatment approach with a favorable safety profile.

No additive effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on balance exercises for brain activity and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic ankle instability: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study explored whether adding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to balance exercises enhances preparatory brain activity and clinical outcomes in individuals with chronic ankle instability.Methods30 participants were randomised into...

“A Fear of the Unknown”: Understanding the Perceptions of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES)

Abstract Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are popular techniques for modulating behaviour within research and clinical settings. However, individuals are apprehensive around undergoing tES, with clear misconceptions around safety and efficacy. This work aimed to capture perceptions of tES and identify drivers and barriers to undergoing stimulation through a mixed-methods approach. Participants completed an online survey (n = 145) and follow-up semi-structured interviews (n = 7) to explore knowledge of tES, perceptions of safety, expectations of effects, and willingness to undergo stimulation. Change in safety and comfort scores were measured following increasing levels of information (basic overview, safety standards, ethical practice, photos of tES testing). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and quantitative data through descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Participants were uncomfortable with the idea of “messing” with the brain and therefore reluctant to undergo procedures. Apprehension and fear around tES were evident, particularly were deemed to have low efficacy. tES was viewed as safer (χ 2 (3) = 40.842, p &lt; 0.001, W = 0.094) and individuals were more comfortable with the prospect of receiving stimulation (χ 2 (3) = 49.587, p &lt; 0.001, W = 0.114) as they were provided with more information. Participant misconceptions around tES must be addressed to support larger-scale and appropriate recruitment. Provision of clear, explicit, and independent information is important for building trust and demonstrating need of the techniques.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Cognitive Function and Reduce Cognitive Fatigue and Fatigability in Parkinson’s Disease (P2-5.031)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Cognitive Function and Reduce Cognitive Fatigue and Fatigability in Parkinson’s Disease (P2-5.031)