Combined Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postural Control in Elderly

Effects of Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum on Postural Control in Elderly Population

The current study aims to determine the effects of combination stimulation (M1 Cortex+ Cerebellum) along with balance training (X-box with Kinect) on postural control in elderly population and to compare the combined stimulation (M1+CbS) with individual motor cortex, cerebellar or sham stimulation.

The current study has been designed to investigate the potential effects of short term transcranial direct current stimulation on motor cortex and cerebellum both simultaneously and to document any additional benefits over each individual stimulations (M1 cortex stimulation, cerebellar stimulation or sham stimulation). Patients will be receiving the transcranial direct current stimulation combined with non-immersive virtual reality using Xbox 360 with Kinect in each group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both genders
• Healthy elderly patients
• Age group of ≥ 60 years
• Fluent in reading and speaking Urdu language

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have any congenital/Acquired walking or standing difficulty due to certain circumstances won't be included in the healthy adults group.
• Patients with Osteo-Arthritis (OA)
• Patients with cerebellar issues or issues such as vertigo with standing and walking etc.
• Individuals who had significant dysarthria or aphasia that might impair understanding of speech or verbal instruction
• Cognitive/communication impairment