Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postural Control: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postural Control: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease associated with profound changes in the quality of life of its survivors. Recent evidence has demonstrated the potential use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to modulate cerebral excitability and movement control in neurological chronic conditions. However, few studies have investigated the effects of tDCS on postural control in patients with Parkinson's disease. This study aims to investigate the effect of bihemispheric tDCS on postural control in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomized to receive a single session of anodal and sham bihemispheric tDCS (7 days between each type of stimulation).
Primary clinical outcome (balance) will be collected before and immediately after tDCS. The data will be collected by a blind examiner to the treatment allocation.
Inclusion Criteria:
Medical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease present for at least 12 months
In clinical follow-up and pharmacological treatment by a responsible physician
Parkinson's classification of 1.5-3 according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale
Signing of the free and informed consent form-
Exclusion Criteria:
Use any associated orthopedic device to aid gait or balance control
Signs of severe dementia (evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE)
Diagnosis of other neurological disorders (including those of central and peripheral nature)
Previous treatment with tDCS
Medical diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses with the use of centrally acting medications (depressants)
The use of pacemakers or other implanted devices.-