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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effect of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Combined with Treadmill Training on Balance and Functional Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

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Author(s):
Carvalho Duarte, Natalia de Almeida [1] ; Collange Grecco, Luanda Andre [1] ; Galli, Manuela [2, 3] ; Fregni, Felipe [4, 5, 6] ; Oliveira, Claudia Santos [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Nove de Julho, Movement Anal Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome - Italy
[3] Politecn Milan, Dept Elect Informat & Bioengn, Rome - Italy
[4] Harvard Univ, Massachusetts Gen Hosp, Sch Med, Boston, MA - USA
[5] Harvard Univ, Lab Neuromodulat, Sch Med, Boston, MA - USA
[6] Harvard Univ, Sch Med, Spaulding Rehabil Hosp, Ctr Clin Res Learning, Dept Phys Med & Rehabil, Boston, MA - USA
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 9, n. 8 AUG 29 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 32
Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy refers to permanent, mutable motor development disorders stemming from a primary brain lesion, causing secondary musculoskeletal problems and limitations in activities of daily living. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of gait training combined with transcranial direct-current stimulation over the primary motor cortex on balance and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled study was carried out with 24 children aged five to 12 years with cerebral palsy randomly allocated to two intervention groups (blocks of six and stratified based on GMFCS level (levels I-II or level III). The experimental group (12 children) was submitted to treadmill training and anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex. The control group (12 children) was submitted to treadmill training and placebo transcranial direct-current stimulation. Training was performed in five weekly sessions for 2 weeks. Evaluations consisted of stabilometric analysis as well as the administration of the Pediatric Balance Scale and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory one week before the intervention, one week after the completion of the intervention and one month after the completion of the intervention. All patients and two examiners were blinded to the allocation of the children to the different groups. Results: The experimental group exhibited better results in comparison to the control group with regard to anteroposterior sway (eyes open and closed; p<0.05), mediolateral sway (eyes closed; p<0.05) and the Pediatric Balance Scale both one week and one month after the completion of the protocol. Conclusion: Gait training on a treadmill combined with anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex led to improvements in static balance and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/24019-0 - EFFECT OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION ASSOCIATED WITH GAIT TRAINING ON THE STATIC AND FUNCTIONAL BALANCE IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL
Grantee:Natália de Almeida Carvalho Duarte
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master