Effects of intervention combining transcranial direct current stimulation and foot core exercise on sensorimotor function in foot and static balance.
Songlin Xiao, Baofeng Wang, Changxiao Yu and 7 others
PMID 36104787WHAT IT FOUND
Combining foot exercises with brain stimulation improved toe strength and ankle sensation in healthy young adults.
It did not improve static balance. The added stimulation helped the exercises work better on the foot itself, but not on standing stability.
Key findings
01The combined group showed a 31% increase in toe flexor strength compared to a 9% increase in the control group.
02The combined group showed a 25% decrease in ankle eversion kinesthesia threshold compared to a 6% decrease in the control group.
03There were no significant differences between groups in static balance measures.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study included only healthy young adults, so results may not apply to patients with foot injuries or neurological conditions. The sample size was small (30 randomized participants). The study population was predominantly male. Follow-up was immediate; long-term effects were not assessed. Static balance did not improve, possibly because baseline balance was already normal.
Declared interests
Funded by the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Shanghai Municipal programs. No commercial conflicts declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that improved foot strength and sensation from tDCS will automatically improve balance or functional stability. In this study, balance outcomes showed no difference between the treatment and control groups.