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Jellinger KA. Behavioral disorders in multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02816-9. [PMID: 39231817 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02816-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogenous autoimmune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination and chronic progressive neurodegeneration. Among its broad and unpredictable range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, behavioral changes are common, even from the early stages of the disease, while they are associated with cognitive deficits in advanced MS. According to DSM-5, behavioral disorders include attention deficits, oppositional, defiant and conduct disorders, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), disruptive and emotional disorders, while others include also irritability, agitation, aggression and executive dysfunctions. Approximately 30 to 80% of individuals with MS demonstrate behavioral changes associated with disease progression. They are often combined with depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but usually not correlated with motor deficits, suggesting different pathomechanisms. These and other alterations contribute to disability in MS. While no specific neuropathological data for behavioral changes in MS are available, those in demyelination animal models share similarities with white matter and neuroinflammatory abnormalities in humans. Neuroimaging revealed prefrontal cortical atrophy, interhemispheric inhibition and disruption of fronto-striato-thalamic and frontoparietal networks. This indicates multi-regional patterns of cerebral disturbances within the MS pathology although their pathogenic mechanisms await further elucidation. Benefits of social, psychological, behavioral interventions and exercise were reported. Based on systematical analysis of PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane library, current epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging and pathogenetic evidence are reviewed that may aid early identification of behavioral symptoms in MS, and promote new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, Vienna, A-1150, Austria.
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Sloane KL, Hamilton RH. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Ameliorate Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment. Brain Sci 2024; 14:614. [PMID: 38928614 PMCID: PMC11202055 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-stroke cognitive impairment is a common and disabling condition with few effective therapeutic options. After stroke, neural reorganization and other neuroplastic processes occur in response to ischemic injury, which can result in clinical improvement through spontaneous recovery. Neuromodulation through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising intervention to augment underlying neuroplasticity in order to improve cognitive function. This form of neuromodulation leverages mechanisms of neuroplasticity post-stroke to optimize neural reorganization and improve function. In this review, we summarize the current state of cognitive neurorehabilitation post-stroke, the practical features of tDCS, its uses in stroke-related cognitive impairment across cognitive domains, and special considerations for the use of tDCS in the post-stroke patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L. Sloane
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Roy H. Hamilton
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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van der Schaaf ME, Geerligs L, Toni I, Knoop H, Oosterman JM. Disentangling pain and fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome: a resting state connectivity study before and after cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1735-1748. [PMID: 38193344 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a central feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but many ME/CFS patients also report comorbid pain symptoms. It remains unclear whether these symptoms are related to similar or dissociable brain networks. This study used resting-state fMRI to disentangle networks associated with fatigue and pain symptoms in ME/CFS patients, and to link changes in those networks to clinical improvements following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). METHODS Relationships between pain and fatigue symptoms and cortico-cortical connectivity were assessed within ME/CFS patients at baseline (N = 72) and after CBT (N = 33) and waiting list (WL, N = 18) and compared to healthy controls (HC, N = 29). The analyses focused on four networks previously associated with pain and/or fatigue, i.e. the fronto-parietal network (FPN), premotor network (PMN), somatomotor network (SMN), and default mode network (DMN). RESULTS At baseline, variation in pain and fatigue symptoms related to partially dissociable brain networks. Fatigue was associated with higher SMN-PMN connectivity and lower SMN-DMN connectivity. Pain was associated with lower PMN-DMN connectivity. CBT improved SMN-DMN connectivity, compared to WL. Larger clinical improvements were associated with larger increases in frontal SMN-DMN connectivity. No CBT effects were observed for PMN-DMN or SMN-PMN connectivity. CONCLUSIONS These results provide insight into the dissociable neural mechanisms underlying fatigue and pain symptoms in ME/CFS and how they are affected by CBT in successfully treated patients. Further investigation of how and in whom behavioral and biomedical treatments affect these networks is warranted to improve and individualize existing or new treatments for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke E van der Schaaf
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of cognitive neuropsychology Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Geerligs
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ivan Toni
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joukje M Oosterman
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Hamilton K, Smith K, Winn K, Oliver B, Newland P, Hendricks-Ferguson V. Quantifying Fatigue Using Electrophysiological Techniques and Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in People With Multiple Sclerosis- A Review and Discussion. Biol Res Nurs 2024; 26:101-114. [PMID: 37558634 DOI: 10.1177/10998004231194954] [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] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this literature review article is to provide a synthesis of recent research focused on the use of 3 techniques to evaluate MS-related fatigue: electroencephalography [EEG], transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDSC), and transcranial- magnetic stimulation (TMS). Method: We performed a literature search in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL, EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (OVID), APA PsycInfo (OVID), Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science (Clarivate) databases, limited to 2015 and after. Results: Our review revealed that fatigue in MS patients can be quantified and predicted using electrophysiological techniques. Such techniques, which yield objective data, are historically assessed in relation to subjective data, or perceived fatigue. We identified studies using EEG, TMS, and/or tDCS to study fatigue in people with MS. In total, 220 records were identified with 19 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal revealed that the level of evidence was generally graded "good". Conclusions: Despite the heterogenous nature of reviewed the studies and selected the varied self-report fatigue measures, our literature synthesis suggests promise for the use of EEG, TMS, and/or tDCS approaches in more accurately assessing fatigue in people with MS. Further research is needed in this arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlie Hamilton
- Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Katy Smith
- Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Brant Oliver
- Care Experience, Value Institute, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Departments of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Psychiatry and the Dartmouth Institute, Hanover and Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Pamela Newland
- Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Jagadish A, Shankaranarayana AM, Natarajan M, Solomon JM. Transcranial direct current stimulation for fatigue in neurological conditions: A systematic scoping review. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 29:e2054. [PMID: 37838979 DOI: 10.1002/pri.2054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fatigue following neurological conditions negatively impacts daily activities, reducing overall quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for fatigue management is still underexplored. This scoping review explores its use in managing fatigue among various neurological conditions. METHODS A thorough literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library. Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov were manually searched for gray literature and ongoing trials, respectively. Regardless of the study design, all studies utilizing tDCS for the management of fatigue in various neurological conditions were considered. Two reviewers independently screened all the studies, following which the data were retrieved. RESULTS Studies employing tDCS for fatigue management across neurological conditions is as follows: Multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 28, 66%), stroke (n = 5, 12%), Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 4, 10%), post-polio syndrome (PPS) (n = 2, 5%), traumatic brain injury (TBI) (n = 2, 5%), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 1, 2%). All the studies used anodal stimulation, with the common stimulation site being the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for MS, stroke, and PD. A stimulation intensity of 1.0-4.0 mA with a duration ranging from 15 to 30 min in 1 to 24 sessions were commonly reported. The Fatigue Severity Scale (n = 21) and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (n = 17) were frequently implemented outcome measures. Regardless of the study design, 36/42 (85.7%) studies reported an improvement in fatigue scores in the tDCS group. The common adverse events noted were tingling (n = 8, 35%), headache (n = 6, 26%), and itching (n = 6, 26%). DISCUSSION Application of tDCS for fatigue was explored in individuals with stroke, PD, PPS, and TBI after MS. Even though a wide range of treatment parameters and outcome measures were adopted to assess and target fatigue, tDCS proves to have a promising role in alleviating this symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhila Jagadish
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research (CCSRR), Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Apoorva M Shankaranarayana
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research (CCSRR), Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Manikandan Natarajan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research (CCSRR), Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - John M Solomon
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research (CCSRR), Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Bertoli M, Tataranni A, Porziani S, Pasqualetti P, Gianni E, Grifoni J, L’Abbate T, Armonaite K, Conti L, Cancelli A, Cottone C, Marinozzi F, Bini F, Cecconi F, Tecchio F. Effects on Corticospinal Tract Homology of Faremus Personalized Neuromodulation Relieving Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040574. [PMID: 37190539 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a frequent and invalidating symptom, which can be relieved by non-invasive neuromodulation, which presents only negligible side effects. A 5-day transcranial direct-current stimulation, 15 min per day, anodically targeting the somatosensory representation of the whole body against a larger occipital cathode was efficacious against MS fatigue (fatigue relief in multiple sclerosis, Faremus treatment). The present proof-of-concept study tested the working hypothesis that Faremus S1 neuromodulation modifies the homology of the dominant and non-dominant corticospinal (CST) circuit recruitment. Methods: CST homology was assessed via the Fréchet distance between the morphologies of motor potentials (MEPs) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation in the homologous left- and right-hand muscles of 10 fatigued MS patients before and after Faremus. Results: In the absence of any change in MEP features either as differences between the two body sides or as an effect of the treatment, Faremus changed in physiological direction the CST’s homology. Faremus effects on homology were more evident than recruitment changes within the dominant and non-dominant sides. Conclusions: The Faremus-related CST changes extend the relevance of the balance between hemispheric homologs to the homology between body sides. With this work, we contribute to the development of new network-sensitive measures that can provide new insights into the mechanisms of neuronal functional patterning underlying relevant symptoms.
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Li S, Zhang Q, Zheng S, Li G, Li S, He L, Zeng Y, Chen L, Chen S, Zheng X, Zou J, Zeng Q. Efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation on cognitive and motor functions in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1091252. [PMID: 36779055 PMCID: PMC9911042 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1091252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on cognitive and motor functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Methods A literature search was performed in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, CNKI, and Wan fang. The time interval used for database construction was up to December 2022, and the language was not limited. The collected trials were subsequently screened, the data were extracted, the quality was evaluated, and the effect sizes were computed using STATA/MP Version 13 for outcome analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for domain of interest. Results In total, 17 articles that examined 364 patients with multiple sclerosis were included in this analysis. Non-invasive brain stimulation did not improve the overall cognitive function [SMD = 0.18, 95% CI (-0.32, 0.69), P = 0.475] but helped improve motor function in patients [SMD = 0.52, 95% CI (0.19, 0.85), P = 0.002]. Moreover, this study specifically indicated that non-invasive brain stimulation improved alerting [SMD = 0.68, 95% CI (0.09, 1.26), P = 0.02], whereas non-invasive brain stimulation intervention improved motor function in patients aged <45 years [SMD = 0.67, 95% CI (0.23, 1.10), P = 0.003] and in patients with expanded disability status scale scores (EDSS) <3.5 [SMD = 0.82, 95% CI (0.22, 1.42), P = 0.007]. In particular, NIBS contributed to the improvement of spasticity in pwMS [SMD = 0.68, 95% CI (0.13, 1.23), P = 0.015]. Conclusion These results of this present study provide evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation could improve alertness in pwMS. Furthermore, NIBS may help pwMS with motor function and those who are under 45 years of age or with EDSS < 3.5 improve their motor function. For the therapeutic use of NIBS, we recommend applying transcranial magnetic stimulation as an intervention and located on the motor cortex M1 according to the subgroup analysis of motor function. These findings warrant verification. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022301012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuiyan Li
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuqi Zheng
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gege Li
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longlong He
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Zeng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuping Chen
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jihua Zou
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qing Zeng
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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dos Santos AM, Misse RG, Borges IBP, Gomes da Silva SL, Kim AWS, Pereira RMR, Shinjo SK. High prevalence of fatigue in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a case-control study in a Brazilian centre. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2022; 6:rkac054. [PMID: 35891881 PMCID: PMC9308454 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Several studies have shown not only a high prevalence of fatigue but also a reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with rheumatic diseases. Owing to insufficient research in this area, we aimed to assess the prevalence of fatigue and its contribution to impairment of HRQoL in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Methods This single-centre case-control study included 53 TAK patients who were matched by age, BMI and sex with 100 healthy individuals. Aside from the patients' general data, the following information was collected: disease activity, level of activities of daily living (HAQ), physical activity levels and chronic fatigue. Results The TAK patients and healthy individuals were comparable in terms of current age, BMI and sex distribution. The median disease duration of TAK was 13.0 (7.0-20.0) years, and 11 (20.8%) patients had active disease. Compared with healthy individuals, patients with TAK had a higher prevalence of fatigue and lower HAQ score, physical activity level and intensity, and physical and psychosocial domains of the modified fatigue impact scale (P < 0.01). Moreover, TAK patients had increased fatigue rates compared with the healthy individuals (fatigue severity scale: odds ratio = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.2, 5.4; modified fatigue impact scale: odds ratio = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.2, 5.5). Fatigue was positively correlated with worsening HAQ, CRP levels, daily prednisone dose and disease activity, and negatively correlated with disease duration. Conclusion TAK patients have a higher prevalence of fatigue, which affects different aspects of the disease, including physical function. Thus, fatigue-focused treatments should also be considered in clinical practice. Trial registration The Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC), https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/, RBR-9n4z2hh.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Giovani Misse
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Woo Sook Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria R Pereira
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Balance and Gait in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Machine Learning Approach. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123505. [PMID: 35743575 PMCID: PMC9224780 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as an appealing rehabilitative approach to improve brain function, with promising data on gait and balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, single variable weights have not yet been adequately assessed. Hence, the aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the tDCS effects on balance and gait in patients with MS through a machine learning approach. In this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), we included people with relapsing−remitting MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale >1 and <5 that were randomly allocated to two groups—a study group, undergoing a 10-session anodal motor cortex tDCS, and a control group, undergoing a sham treatment. Both groups underwent a specific balance and gait rehabilitative program. We assessed as outcome measures the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fall Risk Index and timed up-and-go and 6-min-walking tests at baseline (T0), the end of intervention (T1) and 4 (T2) and 6 weeks after the intervention (T3) with an inertial motion unit. At each time point, we performed a multiple factor analysis through a machine learning approach to allow the analysis of the influence of the balance and gait variables, grouping the participants based on the results. Seventeen MS patients (aged 40.6 ± 14.4 years), 9 in the study group and 8 in the sham group, were included. We reported a significant repeated measures difference between groups for distances covered (6MWT (meters), p < 0.03). At T1, we showed a significant increase in distance (m) with a mean difference (MD) of 37.0 [−59.0, 17.0] (p = 0.003), and in BBS with a MD of 2.0 [−4.0, 3.0] (p = 0.03). At T2, these improvements did not seem to be significantly maintained; however, considering the machine learning analysis, the Silhouette Index of 0.34, with a low cluster overlap trend, confirmed the possible short-term effects (T2), even at 6 weeks. Therefore, this pilot RCT showed that tDCS may provide non-sustained improvements in gait and balance in MS patients. In this scenario, machine learning could suggest evidence of prolonged beneficial effects.
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