Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: MS participants were recruited for a double-blind, parallel-arm, randomized, sham-controlled trial and assigned to 10 sessions (5 d/wk for 2 weeks) of either active or sham tDCS paired with unloaded cycling for 20 minutes. Stimulation was administered over the left M1 cortex (2.5 mA; anode over C3/cathode over FP2). Gait spatiotemporal parameters were assessed using a wearable inertial sensor (10-meter and 2-minute walking tests). Measurements were collected at baseline, end of tDCS intervention, and 4-week postintervention to test for duration of any benefits. RESULTS: A total of 15 participants completed the study, nine in the active and six in the sham condition. The active and sham groups were matched according to gender (50% vs. 40% female), neurologic disability (median EDSS 5.5 vs. 5), and age (mean 52.1 ± 12.9 vs. 53.7 ± 9.8 years). The active group had a significantly greater increase in gait speed (0.87 vs. 1.20 m/s, p < 0.001) and distance covered during the 2-minute walking test (118.53 vs. 133.06 m, p < 0.001) at intervention end compared to baseline. At 4-week follow-up, these improvements were maintained (baseline vs. follow-up: gait speed 0.87 vs. 1.18 m/s, p < 0.001; distance traveled 118.53 vs. 143.82 m, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Multiple sessions of tDCS paired with aerobic exercise lead to cumulative and persisting improvements in walking and endurance in patients with MS.
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Authors | Giuseppina Pilloni, Claire Choi, Michael T Shaw, Giancarlo Coghe, Lauren Krupp, Marilyn Moffat, Eleonora Cocco, Massimiliano Pau, Leigh Charvet |
Journal | Annals of clinical and translational neurology
(Ann Clin Transl Neurol)
Vol. 7
Issue 11
Pg. 2310-2319
(11 2020)
ISSN: 2328-9503 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 33080122
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | © 2020 The Authors. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Neurological Association. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Double-Blind Method
- Exercise Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Motor Cortex
- Multiple Sclerosis
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Outcome Assessment, Health Care
- Placebos
- Severity of Illness Index
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
- Walking
(physiology)
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