Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation May Improve Cognitive-Motor Function in Functionally Limited Older Adults.
Brad Manor, Junhong Zhou, Rachel Harrison and 5 others
PMID 30132389WHAT IT FOUND
Ten sessions of brain stimulation improved a 30-point cognitive test and reduced standing sway when counting backwards, compared with sham, in functionally limited older adults.
Timed Up-and-Go did not improve.
Key findings
01Real tDCS increased MoCA total scores, while sham did not.
02Real tDCS reduced dual-task standing sway costs, and the effect was similar at post-intervention and two weeks.
03Timed Up-and-Go did not improve with tDCS.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 18 participants were analysed, so the study is a small pilot and cannot confirm benefit. It is possible that improvements did not arise from modulation of a specific brain region, but from a more general effect of stimulation. The study did not show improved walking speed or Timed Up-and-Go performance. Follow-up was only two weeks, so longer-term effects are unknown. Participants could walk without assistance from another person, with canes or walkers allowed, so results may not apply to people who need assistance.
Declared interests
The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support. Dr. Pascual-Leone served on scientific advisory boards for Nexstim, Neuronix, Starlab Neuroscience, Neuroelectrics, Axilum Robotics, Magstim Inc., and Neosync, and is listed as an inventor on patents related to integrating transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging. The tDCS device used was the Starstim system from Neuroelectrics.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that tDCS improves mobility or prevents falls. Timed Up-and-Go did not improve, walking speed did not change, and the study analysed only 18 participants, so it is not enough to change clinical practice.