Effect of a single session of transcranial direct-current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.
[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjetcs and Methods] Children with cerebral palsy between four and 12 years of age were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group which performed a single session of mobility training with virtual reality combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation; and a control group which performed a single session of mobility training with virtual reality combined with placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. The children were evaluated before and after the training protocols. Static balance (sway area, displacement, velocity and frequency of oscillations of the center of pressure on the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes) was evaluated using a force plate under four conditions (30-second measurements for each condition): feet on the force plate with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed; feet on a foam mat with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed. [Results] An increase in sway velocity was the only significant difference found. [Conclusion] A single session of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with mobility training elicited to lead to an increase in the body sway velocity of children with cerebral palsy.
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Roberta Delasta
RD
Lazzari
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Fabiano
F
Politti
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Cibele Alimedia
CA
Santos
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Arislander Jonathan Lopes
AJ
Dumont
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Fernanda Lobo
FL
Rezende
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Luanda André Collange
LA
Grecco
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Luiz Alfredo
LA
Braun Ferreira
Movement Analysis Lab, University Nove de Julho, Brazil.
Claudia Santos
CS
Oliveira
Cerebral palsy; Electrical stimulation; Static balance