title: Transcranial direct current stimulation improves neurorehabilitation of task-specific dystonia: a pilot study.
abstract: Sensory-motor returning (SMR) can help the symptoms of task-specific focal hand dystonia. However, effects vary across patients and take many sessions. Here, we present proof of principle evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance these effects. We compared the effects of a combined tDCS-SMR protocol (n=4 patients) with the efficacy of SMR alone (n=30 patients). All 4 patients treated with the combined protocol showed greater improvement than those undergoing SMR alone. Results encourage a larger, parallel-group clinical trial with sham tDCS control.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Fisiologia i Medicina de l'Art-Terrassa, Ctra. de Montcada 668, 08222 Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain. Tel +34937844775. info@institutart.com.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosset-Llobet
authors.forename: Sílvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fàbregas-Molas
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pascual-Leone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020821:Dystonic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009146:Music; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome