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Jiménez-García AM, Bonnel G, Álvarez-Mota A, Arias N. Current perspectives on neuromodulation in ALS patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300671. [PMID: 38551974 PMCID: PMC10980254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually patient mortality. In recent years, neuromodulation techniques have emerged as promising potential therapeutic approaches to slow disease progression and improve the quality of life of ALS patients. A systematic review was conducted until August 8, 2023, to evaluate the neuromodulation methods used and their potential in the treatment of ALS. The search strategy was applied in the Cochrane Central database, incorporating results from other databases such as PubMed, Embase, CTgov, CINAHL, and ICTRP. Following the exclusion of papers that did not fulfil the inclusion criteria, a total of 2090 records were found, leaving a total of 10 studies. R software was used to conduct meta-analyses based on the effect sizes between the experimental and control groups. This revealed differences in muscle stretch measures with manual muscle testing (p = 0.012) and resting motor threshold (p = 0.0457), but not with voluntary isometric contraction (p = 0.1883). The functionality of ALS was also different (p = 0.007), but not the quality of life. Although intracortical facilitation was not seen in motor cortex 1 (M1) (p = 0.1338), short-interval intracortical inhibition of M1 was significant (p = 0.0001). BDNF showed no differences that were statistically significant (p = 0.2297). Neuromodulation-based treatments are proposed as a promising therapeutic approach for ALS that can produce effects on muscle function, spasticity, and intracortical connections through electrical, magnetic, and photonic stimulation. Photobiomodulation stands out as an innovative approach that uses specific wavelengths to influence mitochondria, with the aim of improving mitochondrial function and reducing excitotoxicity. The lack of reliable placebo controls and the variation in stimulation frequency are some of the drawbacks of neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Jiménez-García
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gaspard Bonnel
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Álvarez-Mota
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Arias
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (Instituto de Investigación Universitaria del Principado de Asturias), Oviedo, Spain
- INEUROPA, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias, Plaza Feijoo, Oviedo, Spain
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Di Lazzaro V, Ranieri F, Bączyk M, de Carvalho M, Dileone M, Dubbioso R, Fernandes S, Kozak G, Motolese F, Ziemann U. Novel approaches to motoneuron disease/ALS treatment using non-invasive brain and spinal stimulation: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 158:114-136. [PMID: 38218077 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been exploited in motor neuron disease (MND) with multifold objectives: to support the diagnosis, to get insights in the pathophysiology of these disorders and, more recently, to slow down disease progression. In this review, we consider how neuromodulation can now be employed to treat MND, with specific attention to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form with upper motoneuron (UMN) involvement, taking into account electrophysiological abnormalities revealed by human and animal studies that can be targeted by neuromodulation techniques. This review article encompasses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation methods (including low-frequency, high-frequency, and pattern stimulation paradigms), transcranial direct current stimulation as well as experimental findings with the newer approach of trans-spinal direct current stimulation. We also survey and discuss the trials that have been performed, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy.
| | - Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, P.Le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi Street 27/39, 61-871 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine-JLA, Egas Moniz Study Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michele Dileone
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UCLM Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain; Neurology Department, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Prado, Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Fernandes
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016-Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabor Kozak
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francesco Motolese
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Shibuya K, Otani R, Suzuki YI, Kuwabara S, Kiernan MC. Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Free Radical Toxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Established and Future Targets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040433. [PMID: 35455429 PMCID: PMC9025031 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with evidence of degeneration involving upper and lower motor neuron compartments of the nervous system. Presently, two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, have been established as being useful in slowing disease progression in ALS. Riluzole possesses anti-glutamatergic properties, while edaravone eliminates free radicals (FRs). Glutamate is the excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord and binds to several inotropic receptors. Excessive activation of these receptors generates FRs, inducing neurodegeneration via damage to intracellular organelles and upregulation of proinflammatory mediators. FRs bind to intracellular structures, leading to cellular impairment that contributes to neurodegeneration. As such, excitotoxicity and FR toxicities have been considered as key pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the cascade of degeneration that envelopes neurons in ALS. Recent advanced technologies, including neurophysiological, imaging, pathological and biochemical techniques, have concurrently identified evidence of increased excitability in ALS. This review focuses on the relationship between FRs and excitotoxicity in motor neuronal degeneration in ALS and introduces concepts linked to increased excitability across both compartments of the human nervous system. Within this cellular framework, future strategies to promote therapeutic development in ALS, from the perspective of neuronal excitability and function, will be critically appraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumoto Shibuya
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Ryo Otani
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Yo-ichi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Herrmann C, Schradt F, Lindner-Pfleghar B, Schuster J, Ludolph AC, Dorst J. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864211068394. [PMID: 35154390 PMCID: PMC8832561 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211068394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suffer from dysphagia that increases the risk for aspiration, pneumonia and weight loss. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) is a therapeutic technique that applies electric stimuli to the patient’s pharynx in order to improve swallowing based on the principle of cortical plasticity and reorganization. Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects in patients with various neurological diseases. Objective: This study was initiated to investigate the effect of PES on swallowing function in patients with ALS. Methods: In all, 20 ALS patients with severe dysphagia [characterized by a Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) of at least 4 in thin liquid] were randomized to receive either PES for 10 min at 3 consecutive days in addition to Standard Logopaedic Therapy (SLT) or SLT alone. Swallowing function was evaluated by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) at five timepoints: at baseline, 1 day, 4 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after treatment. Primary endpoint was the severity of penetrations or aspirations as classified by PAS. Secondary endpoints were adverse events, dysphagia-related quality of life, Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS), residues, leaking, ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R), and the performance in Clinical Evaluation of Swallowing (CES). The trial is registered under the name of ‘Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis’ with ClinialTrials.gov, number NCT03481348 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03481348). Results: Both groups combined showed a significant improvement (p = 0.003) of median Total-PAS from 3.6 [interquartile range (IQR) = 2.9–5.0] at baseline to 2.3 (IQR = 1.8–4.0) 1 day after treatment. During subsequent study visits, PAS increased again but remained below baseline. PES and control group did not differ significantly 1 day after intervention (p = 0.32). Similar effects were found in the majority of secondary endpoints. Interpretation: The findings suggest that PES may not provide an additional positive effect on swallowing function in ALS. SLT seems to yield at least short-term positive effects on swallowing function and swallowing-specific life quality in ALS. Registration: ClinialTrials.gov: NCT03481348
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Falk Schradt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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Ranieri F, Mariotto S, Dubbioso R, Di Lazzaro V. Brain Stimulation as a Therapeutic Tool in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Status and Interaction With Mechanisms of Altered Cortical Excitability. Front Neurol 2021; 11:605335. [PMID: 33613416 PMCID: PMC7892772 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.605335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years, several modalities of neuromodulation, mainly based on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, have been tested as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In both sporadic and familial ALS cases, neurophysiological studies point to motor cortical hyperexcitability as a possible priming factor in neurodegeneration, likely related to dysfunction of both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. A trans-synaptic anterograde mechanism of excitotoxicity is thus postulated, causing upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Specifically, motor neuron hyperexcitability and hyperactivity are attributed to intrinsic cell abnormalities related to altered ion homeostasis and to impaired glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. Several neuropathological mechanisms support excitatory and synaptic dysfunction in ALS; additionally, hyperexcitability seems to drive DNA-binding protein 43-kDA (TDP-43) pathology, through the upregulation of unusual isoforms directly contributing to ASL pathophysiology. Corticospinal excitability can be suppressed or enhanced using NIBS techniques, namely, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as well as invasive brain and spinal stimulation. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that the after-effects of NIBS are mediated by long-term potentiation (LTP)-/long-term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms of modulation of synaptic activity, with different biological and physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of tDCS and rTMS and, possibly, of different rTMS protocols. This potential has led to several small trials testing different stimulation interventions to antagonize excitotoxicity in ALS. Overall, these studies suggest a possible efficacy of neuromodulation in determining a slight reduction of disease progression, related to the type, duration, and frequency of treatment, but current evidence remains preliminary. Main limitations are the small number and heterogeneity of recruited patients, the limited “dosage” of brain stimulation that can be delivered in the hospital setting, the lack of a sufficient knowledge on the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms targeted by specific stimulation interventions, and the persistent uncertainty on the key pathophysiological processes leading to motor neuron loss. The present review article provides an update on the state of the art of neuromodulation in ALS and a critical appraisal of the rationale for the application/optimization of brain stimulation interventions, in the light of their interaction with ALS pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
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Sivaramakrishnan A, Datta A, Bikson M, Madhavan S. Remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation: A feasibility study for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NeuroRehabilitation 2020; 45:369-378. [PMID: 31796701 DOI: 10.3233/nre-192851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated as a therapeutic neuromodulation tool in several neurological disorders. However, evidence supporting its efficacy in disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is limited possibly due to limited patient accessibility for research, particularly for individuals with advanced disease progression. Telerehabilitation using home-based protocols allows for remote supervision of tDCS over longer durations, thereby increasing participation, compliance and adherence. In this study, we explored the safety, feasibility and preliminary effects of a remotely supervised tDCS (RS-tDCS) protocol in ALS. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this pre-post case series study, two individuals with ALS completed 24 remotely supervised anodal tDCS sessions (20 minutes, 2 mA). Outcomes included adherence, compliance, disease progression, walking speed, risk of fall, endurance, fatigue and depression. RESULTS Both participants successfully completed the study without any major adverse effects. Minor side effects included mild sensations of itching and throbbing under the electrodes during stimulation. Clinical outcomes showed minimal to no change for any of the measures. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings suggest that the RS-tDCS protocol is safe and feasible in individuals with ALS. Our protocol serves as a model for future long-term studies to evaluate the clinical and neurophysiological effects of tDCS using a telerehabilitation protocol in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Sivaramakrishnan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Brain Plasticity Laboratory, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.,Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Grove School of Engineering, The City College of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Sangeetha Madhavan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Brain Plasticity Laboratory, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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Edmond EC, Stagg CJ, Turner MR. Therapeutic non-invasive brain stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: rationale, methods and experience. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:1131-1138. [PMID: 31072957 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-320213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The neurodegenerative syndrome amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by increased cortical excitability, thought to reflect pathological changes in the balance of local excitatory and inhibitory neuronal influences. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been shown to modulate cortical activity, with some protocols showing effects that outlast the stimulation by months. NIBS has been suggested as a potential therapeutic approach for disorders associated with changes in cortical neurophysiology, including ALS. This article reviews NIBS methodology, rationale for its application to ALS and progress to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan C Edmond
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK .,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Madhavan S, Sivaramakrishnan A, Bond S, Jiang QL. Safety and feasibility of transcranial direct current stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a pilot study with a single subject experimental design. Physiother Theory Pract 2018; 35:458-463. [PMID: 29488820 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1443536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a neuromodulatory tool to prime motor function in several neurological disorders. Studies using tDCS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are limited. We investigated the safety, feasibility and effects of long-term tDCS in an individual with ALS. METHODS A 36-year-old male diagnosed with clinically definite ALS received 12 sessions each of anodal, sham, and cathodal tDCS. Outcome measures included disease progression (revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R)), clinical measures of endurance and mobility, and corticomotor excitability. RESULTS No adverse events or change in disease progression were noticed during the study. Small improvement in gait speed (15% increase) was noticed with anodal tDCS only. CONCLUSIONS This case study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of long-term facilitatory and inhibitory tDCS on a single participant with ALS. This study serves as a guideline for implementing tDCS in future ALS trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Madhavan
- a Brain Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy , College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Anjali Sivaramakrishnan
- a Brain Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy , College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois , Chicago , IL , USA.,b Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences , University of Illinois , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Sam Bond
- c Department of Physical Therapy and Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences , University of Illinois , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Qin Li Jiang
- d Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation , University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago , Chicago , USA
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Transcranial direct current stimulation as a motor neurorehabilitation tool: an empirical review. Biomed Eng Online 2017; 16:76. [PMID: 28830433 PMCID: PMC5568608 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-017-0361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review collects the most relevant empirical evidence available in the literature until date regarding the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the human motor function. tDCS in a non-invasive neurostimulation technique that delivers a weak current through the brain scalp altering the cortical excitability on the target brain area. The electrical current modulates the resting membrane potential of a variety of neuronal population (as pyramidal and gabaergic neurons); raising or dropping the firing rate up or down, depending on the nature of the electrode and the applied intensity. These local changes additionally have shown long-lasting effects, evidenced by its promotion of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Due to its easy and safe application and its neuromodulatory effects, tDCS has attracted a big attention in the motor neurorehabilitation field among the last years. Therefore, the present manuscript updates the knowledge available about the main concept of tDCS, its practical use, safety considerations, and its underlying mechanisms of action. Moreover, we will focus on the empirical data obtained by studies regarding the application of tDCS on the motor function of healthy and clinical population, comprising motor deficiencies of a variety of pathologies as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, among others. Finally, we will discuss the main current issues and future directions of tDCS as a motor neurorehabilitation tool.
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Dissanayaka T, Zoghi M, Farrell M, Egan GF, Jaberzadeh S. Does transcranial electrical stimulation enhance corticospinal excitability of the motor cortex in healthy individuals? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:1968-1990. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thusharika Dissanayaka
- Department of Physiotherapy; School of Primary Health Care; Faculty of Medicine; Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport; School of Allied Health; La Trobe University; Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- Monash Biomedical Imaging; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Gary F. Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Department of Physiotherapy; School of Primary Health Care; Faculty of Medicine; Nursing and Health Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Antal A, Keeser D, Priori A, Padberg F, Nitsche M. Conceptual and Procedural Shortcomings of the Systematic Review “Evidence That Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Generates Little-to-no Reliable Neurophysiologic Effect Beyond MEP Amplitude Modulation in Healthy Human Subjects: A Systematic Review” by Horvath and Co-workers. Brain Stimul 2015; 8:846-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Horvath JC, Forte JD, Carter O. Evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) generates little-to-no reliable neurophysiologic effect beyond MEP amplitude modulation in healthy human subjects: A systematic review. Neuropsychologia 2015; 66:213-36. [PMID: 25448853 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2014.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Horvath JC, Carter O, Forte JD. Transcranial direct current stimulation: five important issues we aren't discussing (but probably should be). Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:2. [PMID: 24478640 PMCID: PMC3901383 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory device often publicized for its ability to enhance cognitive and behavioral performance. These enhancement claims, however, are predicated upon electrophysiological evidence and descriptions which are far from conclusive. In fact, a review of the literature reveals a number of important experimental and technical issues inherent with this device that are simply not being discussed in any meaningful manner. In this paper, we will consider five of these topics. The first, inter-subject variability, explores the extensive between- and within-group differences found within the tDCS literature and highlights the need to properly examine stimulatory response at the individual level. The second, intra-subject reliability, reviews the lack of data concerning tDCS response reliability over time and emphasizes the importance of this knowledge for appropriate stimulatory application. The third, sham stimulation and blinding, draws attention to the importance (yet relative lack) of proper control and blinding practices in the tDCS literature. The fourth, motor and cognitive interference, highlights the often overlooked body of research that suggests typical behaviors and cognitions undertaken during or following tDCS can impair or abolish the effects of stimulation. Finally, the fifth, electric current influences, underscores several largely ignored variables (such as hair thickness and electrode attachments methods) influential to tDCS electric current density and flow. Through this paper, we hope to increase awareness and start an ongoing dialog of these important issues which speak to the efficacy, reliability, and mechanistic foundations of tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared C. Horvath
- Psychological Sciences, University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
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Munneke MAM, Rongen JJ, Overeem S, Schelhaas HJ, Zwarts MJ, Stegeman DF. Cumulative effect of 5 daily sessions of θ burst stimulation on corticospinal excitability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2013; 48:733-8. [PMID: 23424061 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Excitotoxicity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the preferential motor neuron death observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) by transcranial magnetic stimulation has an inhibitory effect on corticospinal excitability (CSE). We characterized the neurophysiological changes induced by cTBS in ALS. METHODS The patients received 5 daily sessions of cTBS. CSE was assessed at baseline and after each session of cTBS. RESULTS The amplitude of a single pulse motor evoked potential was significantly decreased (34%) over the days. The amplitude returned to baseline a week after the last session. The resting motor threshold increased significantly, whereas intracortical inhibition and facilitation did not change over the sessions. CONCLUSIONS Daily cTBS has a cumulative depressing effect on CSE in patients with ALS. These results suggest that modulation of CSE in ALS is possible, but repetitive sessions are needed to maintain the effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek A M Munneke
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Neurology/Clinical Neurophysiology, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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