Effect of Anodic tDCS Over Motor Cortex Versus Cerebellum in Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol

• Published in: Pediatric physical therapy Vol. 31; no. 3; p. 301
• Main Authors: Villalta Santos, Lucas, Benite Palma Lopes, Jamile, Almeida Carvalho Duarte, Natália, Galli, Manuela, Collange Grecco, Luanda André, Santos Oliveira, Claudia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2019
• Subjects: Adolescent; Cerebellum - physiopathology; Cerebral Palsy - rehabilitation; Cerebral Palsy - therapy; Child; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Exercise Test; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Gait - physiology; Humans; Male; Motor Cortex - physiopathology; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation - methods; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1538-005X
• DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000626

To compare the clinical and functional effects of treadmill training combined with anodic transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) on the primary motor cortex (Cz), specifically on the area of motor cortex representation of the lower limbs, and on the cerebellum (Cb) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty children and adolescents with spastic CP will be randomly allocated in 3 groups: (1) treadmill training and atDCS on Cz; (2) treadmill training and atDCS on Cb; (3) treadmill training and sham tDCS on Cz. Evaluations of gait spatial-temporal parameters, functional mobility, functional balance, gross motor function, and functional performance will be performed 1 week before intervention and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after intervention. Every 3 months the participants will cross over groups. This is a protocol for an intervention study comparing the clinical and functional effects of atDCS over Cz and Cb.