Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with gait and mobility training on functionality in children with cerebral palsy: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Precision medicine in neurosurgery: The evolving role of theranostics

Theranostics in neurosurgery is a rapidly advancing field of precision medicine that combines diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to optimize patient outcomes. This approach has the potential to provide real-time feedback during therapy and diagnose a condition while simultaneously providing treatment. One such form of theranostics is focused ultrasound, which has been found to be effective in inducing neuroablation and neuromodulation and improving the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs by disrupting the blood-brain barrier. Targeted radionuclide therapy, which pairs positron emission tomography tracers with therapeutic effects and imaging modalities, is another promising form of theranostics for neurosurgery. Automated pathology analysis is yet another form of theranostics that can provide real-time feedback during the surgical resection of tumors. Electrical stimulation has also shown promise in optimizing therapies for patients with cerebral palsy. Overall, theranostics is a cost-effective way to optimize medical care for patients in neurosurgery. It is a relatively new field, but the advancements made so far show great promise for improving patient outcomes.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation versus Virtual Reality on Gait for Children with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Impaired gait is a common sequela in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. We compared the effects of two novel research interventions-transcranial direct current stimulation and virtual reality-on spatiotemporal and kinetic gait impairments in children with bilateral spastic CP. Forty participants were randomized to receive either transcranial direct current stimulation or virtual reality training. Both groups received standard-of-care gait therapy during the assigned intervention and for the subsequent 10 weeks afterward. Spatiotemporal and kinetic gait parameters were evaluated at three different times: (i) before starting the intervention, (ii) after two weeks of intervention, and (iii) 10 weeks after intervention completion. Both groups exhibited higher velocity and cadence, as well as longer stance time, step length, and stride length after intervention (p < 0.001). Only the transcranial direct current stimulation group exhibited increased maximum force and maximum peak pressure after intervention (p's ≤ 0.001), with continued improvements in spatiotemporal parameters at follow-up. The transcranial direct current stimulation group had higher gait velocities, stride length, and step length at follow-up compared to the virtual reality group (p ≤ 0.02). These findings suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation has a broader and longer-lasting effect on gait than virtual reality training for children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Functional Neuroplasticity and Motor Skill Change Following Gross Motor Interventions for Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Gross motor intervention designs for children with diplegic cerebral palsy (DCP) require an improved understanding of the children's potential for neuroplasticity.

OBJECTIVE

To identify relations between functional neuroplasticity and motor skill changes following gross motor interventions for children with DCP.

METHODS

There were 17 participants with DCP (ages 8-16 years; 6 females; Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I [n = 9] and II [n = 8]). Each completed a 6-week gross motor intervention program that was directed toward achievement of individualized motor/physical activity goals. Outcomes were assessed pre/post and 4 to 6 months post-intervention (follow-up). An active ankle dorsiflexion task was completed during functional magnetic resonance imaging. The ratio of motor cortical activation volume in each hemisphere was calculated using a laterality index. The Challenge was the primary gross motor skill measure. Change over time and relations among outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Challenge scores improved post-intervention (4.57% points [SD 4.45], P = .004) and were maintained at follow-up (0.75% [SD 6.57], P = 1.000). The laterality index for dominant ankle dorsiflexion increased (P = .033), while non-dominant change was variable (P = .534). Contralateral activation (laterality index ≥+0.75) was most common for both ankles. Challenge improvements correlated with increased ipsilateral activity (negative laterality index) during non-dominant dorsiflexion (r = -.56, P = .045). Smaller activation volume during non-dominant dorsiflexion predicted continued gross motor gains at follow-up (R² = .30, P = .040).

CONCLUSIONS

Motor cortical activation during non-dominant ankle dorsiflexion is a modest indicator of the potential for gross motor skill change. Further investigation of patterns of neuroplastic change will improve our understanding of effects.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRY

NCT02584491 and NCT02754128.

Brain stimulation: a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological disorders

Brain stimulation has become one of the most acceptable therapeutic approaches in recent years and a powerful tool in the remedy against neurological diseases. Brain stimulation is achieved through the application of electric currents using non-invasive as well as invasive techniques. Recent technological advancements have evolved into the development of precise devices with capacity to produce well-controlled and effective brain stimulation. Currently, most used non-invasive techniques are repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), whereas the most common invasive technique is deep brain stimulation (DBS). In last decade, application of these brain stimulation techniques has not only exploded but also expanded to wide variety of neurological disorders. Therefore, in the current review, we will provide an overview of the potential of both non-invasive (rTMS and tDCS) and invasive (DBS) brain stimulation techniques in the treatment of such brain diseases.

Combined effect of hydrotherapy and transcranial direct-current stimulation on children with cerebral palsy: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a brain injury resulting in poor coordination and motor control deficits, which is one of the most common physical disabilities in children. CP brings a heavy burden on families and society and becomes a significant public health issue. In recent years, hydrotherapy, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a physical therapy for CP is developing rapidly. When hydrotherapy and tDCS are used to treat separately, it has positive therapeutic effect in children with CP. The development of new therapies in combination with physical rehabilitation approaches is critical to optimize functional outcomes. tDCS has attracted interest in this context, because of significant functional improvements have been demonstrated in individuals with brain injuries after a short period of cerebral stimulation. Since the onset of this work, tDCS has been used in combination with constraint-induced therapy, virtual reality therapy to potentiate the treatment effect. Up to now, there are no studies on the effect of a combined application of hydrotherapy and tDCS in children with CP. We will conduct a 2-arm parallel clinical trial to investigate the effect of a combined application of tDCS and hydrotherapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is an outcome assessor and data analyst-blinded, randomized, controlled superiority trial during the period from October 2021 to December 2023. CP patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio into the treatment group (hydrotherapy plus tDCS), or the control group (treatment as usual). All participants will receive 30 sessions of treatment over 10 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the difference in the Gross Motor Function Assessment and Pediatric Balance Scale during rest and activity. The secondary outcomes will be the difference in adverse effects between the control and treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aims to estimate the efficacy of a combined application of tDCS and hydrotherapy in patients with CP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study protocol was registered in Chinese ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: ChiCTR2100047946.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cognitive and Affective Outcomes Using Virtual Stimuli: A Systematic Review

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation used to influence neural activity. While early tDCS studies primarily used static stimuli, there is growing interest in dynamic stimulus presentations using virtual environments (VEs). This review attempts to convey the state of the field. This is not a quantitative meta-analysis as there are not yet enough studies following consistent protocols and/or reporting adequate data. In addition to reviewing the state of the literature, this review includes an exploratory analysis of the available data. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies were culled from several databases. Results from this review reveal differences between online and offline stimulation. While offline stimulation did not influence affective and cognitive outcomes, online stimulation led to small changes in affect and cognition. Future studies should include randomized controlled trials with larger samples. Furthermore, greater care needs to be applied to full data reporting (e.g., means, standard deviations, and data for their nonsignificant findings) to improve our understanding of the combined effects of virtual stimuli with tDCS.

Neuroplasticity and non-invasive brain stimulation in the developing brain

The brain is a dynamic organ whose growth and organization varies according to each subject's life experiences. Through adaptations in gene expression and the release of neurotrophins and neurotransmitters, these experiences induce a process of cellular realignment and neural network reorganization, which consolidate what is called neuroplasticity. However, despite the brain's resilience and dynamism, neuroplasticity is maximized during the first years of life, when the developing brain is more sensitive to structural reorganization and the repair of damaged neurons. This review presents an overview of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques that have increasingly been a focus for experimental research and the development of therapeutic methods involving neuroplasticity, especially Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Due to its safety risk profile and extensive tolerability, several trials have demonstrated the benefits of NIBS as a feasible experimental alternative for the treatment of brain and mind disorders in children and adolescents. However, little is known about the late impact of neuroplasticity-inducing tools on the developing brain, and there are concerns about aberrant plasticity. There are also ethical considerations when performing interventions in the pediatric population. This article will therefore review these aspects and also obstacles related to the premature application of NIBS, given the limited evidence available concerning the extent to which these methods interfere with the developing brain.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance in children with cerebral palsy: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background/Aims

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy have limitations in activities requiring reach and manipulation of objects with their affected upper extremity. Transcranial direct current stimulation and the cognitive orientation to occupational performance approach are relatively new interventions that may lead to promising results for these children. This article describes the method of a randomised clinical trial that will compare the effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with transcranial direct current stimulation and neurodevelopmental treatment.

Methods

A four-armed clinical trial with a sample size of 36 participants will be performed in Tehran. Participants will be randomly divided into four groups. Group A will receive neuro-developmental treatment with sham transcranial direct current stimulation, group B will receive neurodevelopmental treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation, group C will receive cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with sham transcranial direct current stimulation, and group D will receive cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with transcranial direct current stimulation. The examiner will be blind to the study and assessments will be done at baseline, after the end of the intervention and 1 month after the completion of the intervention (as follow up). Data analysis will be as repeated measure analysis of variance and intention to treat.

Conclusions

This article describes the protocol of a clinical trial that compares the effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and neurodevelopmental treatment on upper extremity goals and functions of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Beyond the target area: an integrative view of tDCS-induced motor cortex modulation in patients and athletes

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique used to modulate neural tissue. Neuromodulation apparently improves cognitive functions in several neurologic diseases treatment and sports performance. In this study, we present a comprehensive, integrative review of tDCS for motor rehabilitation and motor learning in healthy individuals, athletes and multiple neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions. We also report on neuromodulation mechanisms, main applications, current knowledge including areas such as language, embodied cognition, functional and social aspects, and future directions. We present the use and perspectives of new developments in tDCS technology, namely high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) which promises to overcome one of the main tDCS limitation (i.e., low focality) and its application for neurological disease, pain relief, and motor learning/rehabilitation. Finally, we provided information regarding the Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) in clinical applications, Cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) and its influence on motor learning, and TMS combined with electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to evaluate tDCS effects on brain function.

Combining transcranial direct-current stimulation with gait training in patients with neurological disorders: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is an easy-to-apply, cheap, and safe technique capable of affecting cortical brain activity. However, its effectiveness has not been proven for many clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether the effect of different strategies for gait training in patients with neurological disorders can be enhanced by the combined application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Additionally, we attempted to record and analyze tDCS parameters to optimize its efficacy.

METHODS

A search in Pubmed, PEDro, and Cochrane databases was performed to find randomized clinical trials that combined tDCS with gait training. A chronological filter from 2010 to 2018 was applied and only studies with variables that quantified the gait function were included.

RESULTS

A total of 274 studies were found, of which 25 met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 17 were rejected based on exclusion criteria. Finally, 8 trials were evaluated that included 91 subjects with stroke, 57 suffering from Parkinson's disease, and 39 with spinal cord injury. Four of the eight assessed studies did not report improved outcomes for any of its variables compared to the placebo treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no conclusive results that confirm that tDCS can enhance the effect of the different strategies for gait training. Further research for specific pathologies, with larger sample sizes and adequate follow-up periods, are required to optimize the existing protocols for applying tDCS.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool to improve balance and optimize rehabilitation strategies. However, current literature shows the methodological heterogeneity of tDCS protocols and results, hindering any clear conclusions about the effects of tDCS on postural control. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS on postural control, and identify the most beneficial target brain areas and the effect on different populations. Methods: Two independent reviewers selected randomized tDCS clinical-trials studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists of retrieved articles published between 1998 and 2017. Most frequently reported centre of pressure (COP) variables were selected for meta-analysis. Other postural control outcomes were discussed in the review. Results: Thirty studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were submitted to a meta-analysis. A reduction of COP displacement area has been significantly achieved by tDCS, evidencing an improvement in balance control. Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy young adults are mostly affected by stimulation. The analysis of the impact of tDCS over different brain areas revealed a significant effect after primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation, however, with no clear results after cerebellar stimulation due to divergent results among studies. Conclusions: tDCS appears to improve balance control, more evident in healthy and CP subjects. Effects are observed when primary MI is stimulated. Cerebellar stimulation should be better investigated.

Motor performance improvement through virtual reality task is related to fatigue and cognition in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who undergo rehabilitation need to perform new motor skills or relearn old motor skills. It is not clear whether people with MS retain the ability to improve motor performance or learning. Furthermore, factors that influence motor performance in people with MS need to be investigated. This study explored motor performance in people with MS using virtual reality (VR). The effect of fatigue and cognitive function on motor performance improvement in people with MS was investigated.

METHODS

Twenty MS participants and 20 controls were recruited into the study. To assess motor performance, each participant was asked to perform a VR game for five times (blocks). The main outcome was time to complete the VR game and number of recorded errors. To assess fatigue level and cognitive function, participants were asked to complete the Arabic versions of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Montréal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), respectively.

RESULTS

MS participants and controls demonstrated a practice-related improvement in performance as shown by the main effect of block for each of the outcome measures (p < .001, time required to complete VR game; p < .001, errors recorded). Strong and significant negative correlations between recorded errors and MOCA (r = .75, p < .001) and between recorded errors and MFIS (r = .55, p = .011) were found in people with MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Ability to improve motor performance in people with MS is preserved and related to cognitive function and fatigue impact. Health-care professionals should be made aware of the negative impact of cognitive function and fatigue on motor performance. A multicomponent intervention that targets these factors is advisable. Future research, however, is required to determine the content and potential benefits of such an intervention in the MS population.

Protocol study for a randomised, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial involving virtual reality and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation for the improvement of upper limb motor function in children with Down syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Down syndrome results in neuromotor impairment that affects selective motor control, compromising the acquisition of motor skills and functional independence. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate and compare the effects of multiple-monopolar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation and sham stimulation over the primary motor cortex during upper limb motor training involving virtual reality on motor control, muscle activity, cerebral activity and functional independence.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A randomised, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is proposed. The calculation of the sample size will be defined based on the results of a pilot study involving the same methods. The participants will be randomly allocated to two groups. Evaluations will be conducted before and after the intervention as well as 1 month after the end of the intervention process. At each evaluation, three-dimensional analysis of upper limb movement muscle activity will be measured using electromyography, cerebral activity will be measured using an electroencephalogram system and intellectual capacity will be assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Virtual reality training will be performed three times a week (one 20 min session per day) for a total of 10 sessions. During the protocol, transcranial stimulation will be administered concomitantly to upper limb motor training. The results will be analysed statistically, with a p value≤0.05 considered indicative of statistical significance.

ETHICAL ASPECTS AND PUBLICITY

The present study received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Universidade Nove de Julho (Sao Paulo,Brazil) under process number 1.540.113 and is registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (N° RBR3PHPXB). The participating institutions have presented a declaration of participation. The volunteers will be permitted to drop out of the study at any time with no negative repercussions. The results will be published and will contribute evidence regarding the use of this type of intervention on children.

Applications of transcranial direct current stimulation in children and pediatrics

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory noninvasive brain stimulation tool with potential to increase or reduce regional and remote cortical excitability. Numerous studies have shown the ability of this technique to induce neuroplasticity and to modulate cognition and behavior in adults. Clinical studies have also demonstrated the ability of tDCS to induce therapeutic effects in several central nervous system disorders. However, knowledge about its ability to modulate brain functions in children or induce clinical improvements in pediatrics is limited. The objective of this review is to describe relevant data of some recent studies that may help to understand the potential of this technique in children with specific regard to effective and safe treatment of different developmental disorders in pediatrics. Overall, the results show that standard protocols of tDCS are well tolerated by children and have promising clinical effects. Nevertheless, treatment effects seem to be partially heterogeneous, and a case of a seizure in a child with previous history of infantile spasms and diagnosed epilepsy treated with tDCS for spasticity was reported. Further research is needed to determine safety criteria for tDCS use in children and to elucidate the particular neurophysiological changes induced by this neuromodulatory technique when it is applied in the developing brain.

Application and outcomes of therapy combining transcranial direct current stimulation and virtual reality: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the methods and major outcomes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with virtual reality (VR) therapy in randomized controlled trials.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science and CAPES periodic databases, with no time restriction. The studies were screened for the following inclusion criteria: human subjects, combination of VR and tDCS methods, and randomized controlled study design. All potentially relevant articles were independently reviewed by two researchers, who reached a consensus on which articles met the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the studies.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included, all of which utilized a variety of tDCS and VR application methods. The main outcomes were found to be beneficial in intervention groups of different populations, including improvements in body sway, gait, stroke recovery, pain management and vegetative reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of tDCS combined with VR showed positive results in both healthy and impaired patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes and homogeneous participants are required to confirm the benefits of tDCS and VR. Implications for Rehabilitation tDCS with VR intervention can be an alternative to traditional rehabilitation programs. tDCS with VR is a promising type of intervention with a variety of positive effects. Application of tDCS with VR is appropriated to both healthy and impaired patients. There is no consensus of tDCS with VR application.

Transcranial direct current stimulation in children and adolescents: a comprehensive review

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that has shown promising results in various neuropsychiatric disorders in adults. This review addresses the therapeutic use of tDCS in children and adolescents including safety, ethical, and legal considerations. There are several studies addressing the dosage of tDCS in children and adolescents by computational modeling of electric fields in the pediatric brain. Results suggest halving the amperage used in adults to obtain the same peak electric fields, however, there are some studies reporting on the safe application of tDCS with standard adult parameters in children (2 mA; 20-30 min). There are several randomized placebo controlled trials suggesting beneficial effects of tDCS for the treatment of cerebral palsy. For dystonia there are mixed data. Some studies suggest efficacy of tDCS for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, and for the improvement of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. Interestingly, there is a lack of data for the treatment of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders, i.e., childhood onset schizophrenia and affective disorders. Overall, tDCS seems to be safe in pediatric population. More studies are needed to confirm the preliminary encouraging results; however, ethical deliberation has to be weighed carefully for every single case.

Changes of Plantar Pressure and Gait Parameters in Children with Mild Cerebral Palsy Who Used a Customized External Strap Orthosis: A Crossover Study

Toe-in gait and crouch gait can make children with mild cerebral palsy fall and suffer improper balance during walking or ambulation training. A customized external strap orthosis for correcting leg alignment was used to resolve this problem. The purpose of this study was to research the immediate effects while wearing the customized external strap orthosis. Pressure platform was used to assess the plantar pressure through static and dynamic assessments and to record the changes in path of pressure trajectory. Motion image analysis system was used to record the gait parameters, which included gait speed, stride length, and cadence. The influence of both wearing and removing the orthosis on the dominant leg of children with mild cerebral palsy was analyzed. Nine children with mild cerebral palsy, who all had a dominant right leg, were recruited. After wearing the orthosis, all gait parameters improved, and foot motion changed in the stance phase of the gait cycle. The path of pressure trajectory closing to the midline was also observed during dynamic assessment. Changes in plantar pressure and path of pressure trajectory were observed and the orthosis device could provide immediate assistance to correct the leg alignment and improve the gait performance in children with mild cerebral palsy.

Effects of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation on static balance in a patient with hemiparesis: a case study

[Purpose] Cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is characterized by an abrupt onset of focal or global neurological signs and symptoms. Asymmetry of the limbs is common following a stroke due to hemiplegia or hemiparesis. [Subject and Methods] A male patient having suffered an ischemic stroke was initially evaluated using the Timed Up-and-Go Test and the Six-Minute Walk Test. Static balance was evaluated using a force plate (Kistler model 9286BA) for the stabilometry analysis of center of pressure (COP) sway. The data were interpreted using the SWAY software program (BTS Engineering) synchronized with the SMART-D 140^® system. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; 2 mA) was applied over the primary motor cortex for 20 minutes during gait training on a treadmill. [Results] Under the condition of eyes open, reductions were found in anteroposterior sway (6.18%), trace length (3.3%) and sway velocity (3.3%) immediately following tDCS. [Conclusion] A single session of anodal tDCS combined with treadmill training had a positive effect on the static balance of a subject with chronic hemiparesis stemming from a stroke.

Effect of a single session of transcranial direct-current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjetcs and Methods] Children with cerebral palsy between four and 12 years of age were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group which performed a single session of mobility training with virtual reality combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation; and a control group which performed a single session of mobility training with virtual reality combined with placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. The children were evaluated before and after the training protocols. Static balance (sway area, displacement, velocity and frequency of oscillations of the center of pressure on the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes) was evaluated using a force plate under four conditions (30-second measurements for each condition): feet on the force plate with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed; feet on a foam mat with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed. [Results] An increase in sway velocity was the only significant difference found. [Conclusion] A single session of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with mobility training elicited to lead to an increase in the body sway velocity of children with cerebral palsy.

Noninvasive brain stimulation: the potential for use in the rehabilitation of pediatric acquired brain injury

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) offers the potential to modulate neural activity and recovery after acquired brain injury. There are few studies of NIBS in children, but a survey of those studies might provide insight into the potential for NIBS to modulate motor rehabilitation, seizures, and behavior in children. We surveyed the published literature prior to July 2014 for articles pertaining to children and NIBS with a focus on case series or trials. We also reviewed selected articles involving adults to illustrate specific points where the literature in children is lacking. A limited number of articles suggest that NIBS can transiently improve motor function. The evidence for an effect on seizures is mixed. Two open-label studies reported improvement of mood in adolescents with depression. NIBS may serve as a tool for pediatric neurorehabilitation, but many gaps in our knowledge must be filled before NIBS can be adopted as a clinical intervention. To move forward, the field needs adequately powered trials that can answer these questions. Such trials will be challenging to perform, will likely require multicenter collaboration, and may need to adopt novel trial designs that have been used with rare disorders.

Safety of noninvasive brain stimulation in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial current stimulation (tCS) have the potential to mitigate a variety of symptoms associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions, including stroke, cerebral palsy, autism, depression, and Tourette syndrome. While the safety of these modalities has been established in adults, there is a paucity of research assessing the safety of NIBS among children.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the existing literature regarding the safety of NIBS techniques in children and adolescents with neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed on online databases for studies using NIBS in individuals less than 18 years of age. Non-English publications, diagnostic studies, electroconvulsive therapy, single/dual pulse TMS studies, and reviews were excluded. Adverse events reported in the studies were carefully examined and synthesized to understand the safety and tolerability of NIBS among children and adolescents.

RESULTS

The data from 48 studies involving more than 513 children/adolescents (2.5-17.8 years of age) indicate that the side effects of NIBS were, in general, mild and transient [TMS: headache (11.5%), scalp discomfort (2.5%), twitching (1.2%), mood changes (1.2%), fatigue (0.9%), tinnitus (0.6%); tCS: tingling (11.5%), itching (5.8%), redness (4.7%), scalp discomfort (3.1%)] with relatively few serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that both repetitive TMS and tCS are safe modalities in children and adolescents with various neurological conditions, especially when safety guidelines are followed. The incidence of adverse events appears to be similar to that observed in adults; however, further studies with longer treatment and follow-up periods are needed to better understand the benefits and tolerance of long-term use of NIBS in children.

Effect of transcranial direct-current stimulation combined with treadmill training on balance and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background

Cerebral palsy refers to permanent, mutable motor development disorders stemming from a primary brain lesion, causing secondary musculoskeletal problems and limitations in activities of daily living. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of gait training combined with transcranial direct-current stimulation over the primary motor cortex on balance and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

A double-blind randomized controlled study was carried out with 24 children aged five to 12 years with cerebral palsy randomly allocated to two intervention groups (blocks of six and stratified based on GMFCS level (levels I-II or level III).The experimental group (12 children) was submitted to treadmill training and anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex. The control group (12 children) was submitted to treadmill training and placebo transcranial direct-current stimulation. Training was performed in five weekly sessions for 2 weeks. Evaluations consisted of stabilometric analysis as well as the administration of the Pediatric Balance Scale and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory one week before the intervention, one week after the completion of the intervention and one month after the completion of the intervention. All patients and two examiners were blinded to the allocation of the children to the different groups.

Results

The experimental group exhibited better results in comparison to the control group with regard to anteroposterior sway (eyes open and closed; p<0.05), mediolateral sway (eyes closed; p<0.05) and the Pediatric Balance Scale both one week and one month after the completion of the protocol.

Conclusion

Gait training on a treadmill combined with anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex led to improvements in static balance and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy.

Trial Registration

Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/RBR-9B5DH7

Effects of pelvic adjustment on female university students' gait variables

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pelvic adjustment using Gonstead techniques on posture in female university students. [Subjects] In this study, 30 female university students were selected and divided into a pelvic adjustment group of 15 subjects as an experimental group and a stretching group of 15 subjects as a control group. [Methods] Step length difference (SLD), stance phase difference (STPD), swing phase difference (SWPD), single support difference (SSD), and step time difference (STD) were evaluated in the subjects using an OptoGait. [Results] Whereas the adjustment group showed statistically significant differences in SLD, STPD, SWPD, SSD, and STD, the stretching group did not show any statistically significant differences in any of the items. [Conclusion] Pelvic adjustment can be applied using Gonstead techniques as a method of reducing differences in normal gait variables between the left and right sides in adults.