Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).

Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

Reducing pain and recovery of strength and function are major challenges in physical therapy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel intervention that has gained popularity in the rehabilitation of athletic injuries, pain management, and sports performance. Acute application of tDCS has been shown to modulate the perception of effort and fatigue, enhance motor learning, improve endurance performance, and improve muscular power and strength. tDCS has also been shown to reduce pain in patients with chronic pain conditions. Using a double-blind, randomized clinical trial design, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS plus standard rehabilitation compared to rehabilitation alone on pain, balance and proprioception, functional performance, and strength following acute ankle inversion sprain. We hypothesize that the group using tDCS will demonstrate superior outcomes in all variables of interest.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-40
2. Within 2-weeks s/p acute grade 1 or 2 ankle inversion sprain

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Self-Reported Pregnancy
2. Being treated for and on medication for a mental health diagnosis
3. Concussion or non-lateral ankle sprain lower extremity injuries within the past 6 months
4. Open wound or dermatologic lesion on the head or region of application
5. Active implantable medical devices such as cochlear implants or cardiac pacemakers, or with metal implants in the head (excluding standard orthodontic braces, fillings, etc.).
6. Epilepsy or history of seizures
7. Participants who are not fluent in English