Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Motor Learning in Children With Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Effects of tDCS in Cortical Plasticity and Motor Learning in Children With Cerebral Palsy

In this study, the investigators aim to assess the clinical and neurophysiological effects of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique - transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)- on cortical plasticity and motor learning in children with cerebral palsy. Investigators will use different assessment techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and kinematics (sensors) to measure changes through the trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age of participants must be between 8 and 18 years old.
• Diagnosis of spastic or mixed CP with distribution of diplegia and/or hemiplegia form.
• Gross Motor Function Classification System for Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS) level II and III.
• Manual Ability Classification System for Children with CP (MACS) level II up to IV.
• Ability to cooperate and follow directions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Muscle tone reduction therapy in the past 3 months prior to study onset.
• Upper limb orthopedic surgery in the past 3 months prior to study onset.
• Any other form of therapy or procedure involving motor neuron junction inhibition; either by biochemical and/or mechanical denervation, in the past 3 months prior to study onset.
• History of convulsive disorder in the past 2 years prior to study onset.
• Current use of carbamazepine as anticonvulsive therapy.
• Presence ventriculoperitoneal shunt.