Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may help improve hand function in children with cerebral palsy. This study investigates whether tDCS combined with functional task training is more effective than functional task training alone for improving hand recovery and quality of life in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
Sixty children aged 7 to 12 years with hemiparetic cerebral palsy will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive anodal tDCS at 2mA for 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month, combined with 40 minutes of functional task training. The control group will receive functional task training alone for 60 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month.
Hand function will be measured using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and grip strength using a hand held dynamometer. Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale, and quality of life will be measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL). All assessments will be conducted before and after the 1-month treatment period.
The findings of this study may help determine whether adding tDCS to standard rehabilitation provides additional benefits for hand recovery and quality of life in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
A single trained investigator will evaluate all patients and collect all data to eliminate inter-investigator error. The evaluating investigator is blinded to group allocation. Participants and care providers are not masked due to the nature of the tDCS intervention.
Anodal tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex of the affected hemisphere at an intensity of 1.5 mA for 20 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total of 20 sessions). Active electrode (anode) placed over the motor cortex of the affected hemisphere; reference electrode (cathode) placed over the contralateral supraorbital region.
A structured 45-minute physiotherapy program including warm-up and mobility exercises, progressive resistance strength training, fine motor training (e.g., peg placement, object manipulation), bimanual training, and task-oriented training (e.g., grasping, stacking, utensil use). Delivered 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Giza, Giza Governorate 123, Egypt
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Upper Extremity of Children With Hemiparesis
Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Coupled With Constraint Induced Movement Therapy in Stroke Patient
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Motor Learning in Children With Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Enhancing Motor Learning in Children With Cerebral Palsy Using Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation