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.
Master's Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Arislander Jonathan Lopes
AJ
Dumont
Master's Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Maria Carolina
MC
Araujo
Master's Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Roberta Delasta
RD
Lazzari
Master's Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Cibele Almeida
CA
Santos
Department of Physiotherapy, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Debora Bachin
DB
Carvalho
Doctoral Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Renata Calhes
RC
Franco de Moura
Doctoral Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove de Julho, Brazil ; Guairacá College, Student Doctoral Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove, Brazil.
Luiz Alfredo Braun
LA
Ferreira
Dipartimento di Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
Manuela
M
Galli
Master's and Doctoral Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University Nove Julho, Brazil.
Claudia Santos
CS
Oliveira
Balance; Hemiparesis; Transcranial direct current stimulation