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Melo L, Beaupain MC, Ghanavati E, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Neurochemical mechanisms underlying serotonergic modulation of neuroplasticity in humans. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:421-430. [PMID: 38574852 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.04.001] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in animals and humans have shown that cortical neuroplasticity can be modulated by increasing serotonin levels by administering selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, little is known about the mechanistic background, especially the contribution of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, which depend on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the relevance of drivers of plasticity (glutamate- and GABA-dependent processes) for the effects of serotonin enhancement on tDCS-induced plasticity in healthy humans. METHODS A crossover, partially double-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled study was conducted in 21 healthy right-handed individuals. In each of the 7 sessions, plasticity was induced via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Anodal, cathodal, and sham tDCS were applied to the left motor cortex under SSRI (20 mg/40 mg citalopram) or placebo. Short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were monitored by paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for 5-6 h after intervention. RESULTS Under placebo, anodal tDCS-induced LTP-like plasticity decreased SICI and increased ICF. In contrast, cathodal tDCS-elicited LTD-like plasticity induced the opposite effect. Under 20 mg and 40 mg citalopram, anodal tDCS did not affect SICI largely, while ICF was enhanced and prolonged. For cathodal tDCS, citalopram converted the increase of SICI and decrease of ICF into antagonistic effects, and this effect was dosage-dependent since it lasted longer under 40 mg when compared to 20 mg. CONCLUSION We speculate that the main effects of acute serotonergic enhancement on tDCS-induced plasticity, the increase and prolongation of LTP-like plasticity effects, involves mainly the glutamatergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Melo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marie C Beaupain
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Elham Ghanavati
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany; Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site - Bochum/Marburg, Germany
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2
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Sousani M, Seydnejad SR, Ghahramani M. Insights from a model based study on optimizing non invasive brain electrical stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2447. [PMID: 38291112 PMCID: PMC10828384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52355-2] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a disorder in the central nervous system which includes symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and Bradykinesia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most effective method to treat PD motor symptoms especially when the patient is not responsive to other treatments. However, its invasiveness and high risk, involving electrode implantation in the Basal Ganglia (BG), prompt recent research to emphasize non-invasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES). TES proves to be effective in treating some PD symptoms with inherent safety and no associated risks. This study explores the potential of using TES, to modify the firing pattern of cells in BG that are responsible for motor symptoms in PD. The research employs a mathematical model of the BG to examine the impact of applying TES to the brain. This is conducted using a realistic head model incorporating the Finite Element Method (FEM). According to our findings, the firing pattern associated with Parkinson's disease shifted towards a healthier firing pattern through the use of tACS. Employing an adaptive algorithm that continually monitored the behavior of BG cells (specifically, Globus Pallidus Pars externa (GPe)), we determined the optimal electrode number and placement to concentrate the current within the intended region. This resulted in a peak induced electric field of 1.9 v/m at the BG area. Our mathematical modeling together with precise finite element simulation of the brain and BG suggests that proposed method effectively mitigates Parkinsonian behavior in the BG cells. Furthermore, this approach ensures an improvement in the condition while adhering to all safety constraints associated with the current injection into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sousani
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, 2617, ACT, Australia.
| | - Saeid R Seydnejad
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Pajoohesh Sq., Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghahramani
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, 2617, ACT, Australia
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3
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Guidetti M, Maria Bianchi A, Parazzini M, Maiorana N, Bonato M, Ferrara R, Libelli G, Montemagno K, Ferrucci R, Priori A, Bocci T. Monopolar tDCS might affect brainstem reflexes: A computational and neurophysiological study. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 155:44-54. [PMID: 37690391 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.08.011] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether monopolar multi-electrode transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) montages might selectively affect deep brain structures through computational predictions and neurophysiological assessment. METHODS Electric field distribution in deep brain structures (i.e., thalamus and midbrain) were estimated through computational models simulating tDCS with two monopolar and two monopolar multi-electrode montages. Monopolar multi-electrode tDCS was then applied to healthy subject, and effects on pontine and medullary circuitries was evaluated studying changes in blink reflex (BR) and masseter inhibitory reflex (MIR). RESULTS Computational results suggest that tDCS with monopolar multi-electrode montages might induce electric field intensities in deep brain structure comparable to those in grey matter, while neurophysiological results disclosed that BR and MIR were selectively modulated by tDCS only when cathode was placed over the right deltoid. CONCLUSIONS Multi-electrode tDCS (anodes over motor cortices, cathode over right deltoid) could induce significant electric fields in the thalamus and midbrain, and selectively affect brainstem neural circuits. SIGNIFICANCE Multi-electrode tDCS (anodes over motor cortices, cathode over right deltoid) might be further explored to affect brainstem activity, also in the context of non-invasive deep brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guidetti
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bianchi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Parazzini
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Natale Maiorana
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Bonato
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Rosanna Ferrara
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Libelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Kora Montemagno
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo", Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo", Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo", Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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4
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Klees-Themens G, Théoret H. The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on corticospinal excitability: A systematic review of nonsignificant findings. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3074-3097. [PMID: 37407275 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16073] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can modulate brain activity through the application of low-intensity electrical currents. Based on its reported effects on corticospinal excitability (CSE), tDCS has been used to study cognition in healthy individuals and reduce symptoms in a variety of clinical conditions. Despite its increasing popularity as a research and clinical tool, high interindividual variability has been reported in the response to protocols using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess tDCS-induced changes in CSE leading to several nonsignificant findings. In this systematic review, studies that reported no significant modulation of CSE following tDCS were identified from PubMed and Embase (Ovid) databases. Forty-three articles were identified where demographic, TMS and tDCS parameters were extracted. Overall, stimulation parameters, CSE measurements and participant characteristics were similar to those described in studies reporting positive results and were likewise heterogeneous between studies. Small sample sizes and inadequate blinding were notable features of the reviewed studies. This systematic review suggests that studies reporting nonsignificant findings do not markedly differ from those reporting significant modulation of CSE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Théoret
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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5
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Ostrowski J, Svaldi J, Schroeder PA. More focal, less heterogeneous? Multi-level meta-analysis of cathodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation effects on language and cognition. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:861-878. [PMID: 35585206 PMCID: PMC9217872 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a relatively focal, novel non-invasive brain stimulation method with the potential to investigate the causal contributions of specific cortical brain regions to language and cognition. Studies with HD-tDCS typically employ a 4 × 1 electrode design with a single central target electrode surrounded by four return electrodes, among which return current intensity is evenly distributed. With cathodal HD-tDCS, neural excitability in the target region is assumed to be reduced, which offers interesting perspectives for neuropsychological research and interventions. This multi-level meta-analysis compiles published studies using cathodal HD-tDCS in 4 × 1 configuration to modulate cognition and behavior. Regarding HD-tDCS, 77 effect sizes were gathered from 11 eligible reports. We extended this database with 52 effect sizes from 11 comparable reports using conventional tDCS with cathodal polarity. We observed no significant overall effect and no moderation by within-study and between-study variables in HD. In the extended analysis, results suggested a non-linear moderation of cathodal tDCS effects by intensity, driven by negative effect sizes at 1.5 mA. However, studies varied tremendously in task parameters, outcomes, and even technical parameters. Interestingly, within-study heterogeneity exceeded between-study heterogeneity in the present sample, and moderators hardly reduced the residual heterogeneity. Across domains and configurations, both positive and negative effect sizes are possible. We discuss the findings in relation to conventional cathodal tDCS and the framework of polarity specificity. Fundamental aspects of cathodal HD-tDCS are still to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ostrowski
- Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Svaldi
- Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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6
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Van der Cruijsen J, Jonker ZD, Andrinopoulou ER, Wijngaarden JE, Tangkau DA, Tulen JHM, Frens MA, Ribbers GM, Selles RW. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Targeting the Entire Motor Network Does Not Increase Corticospinal Excitability. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:842954. [PMID: 35601898 PMCID: PMC9114302 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.842954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the contralateral primary motor cortex of the target muscle (conventional tDCS) has been described to enhance corticospinal excitability, as measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Recently, tDCS targeting the brain regions functionally connected to the contralateral primary motor cortex (motor network tDCS) was reported to enhance corticospinal excitability more than conventional tDCS. We compared the effects of motor network tDCS, 2 mA conventional tDCS, and sham tDCS on corticospinal excitability in 21 healthy participants in a randomized, single-blind within-subject study design. We applied tDCS for 12 min and measured corticospinal excitability with TMS before tDCS and at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after tDCS. Statistical analysis showed that neither motor network tDCS nor conventional tDCS significantly increased corticospinal excitability relative to sham stimulation. Furthermore, the results did not provide evidence for superiority of motor network tDCS over conventional tDCS. Motor network tDCS seems equally susceptible to the sources of intersubject and intrasubject variability previously observed in response to conventional tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Van der Cruijsen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Zeb D. Jonker
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eleni-Rosalina Andrinopoulou
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jessica E. Wijngaarden
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Ditte A. Tangkau
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joke H. M. Tulen
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maarten A. Frens
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerard M. Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruud W. Selles
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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7
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Modulation of Interhemispheric Synchronization and Cortical Activity in Healthy Subjects by High-Definition Theta-Burst Electrical Stimulation. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:3593262. [PMID: 35529454 PMCID: PMC9076342 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3593262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various forms of theta-burst stimulation (TBS) such as intermittent TBS (iTBS) and continuous TBS (cTBS) have been introduced as novel facilitation/suppression schemes during repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), demonstrating a better efficacy than conventional paradigms. Herein, we extended the rTMS-TBS schemes to electrical stimulation of high-definition montage (HD-TBS) and investigated its neural effects on the human brain. Methods In a within-subject design, fifteen right-handed healthy adults randomly participated in 10 min and 2 mA HD-TBS sessions: unilateral (Uni)-iTBS, bilateral (Bi)-cTBS/iTBS, and sham stimulation over primary motor cortex regions. A 20-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system was covered on the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), sensory motor cortex (SMC), and parietal lobe (PL) for observing cerebral hemodynamic responses in the resting-state and during fast finger-tapping tasks at pre-, during, and poststimulation. Interhemispheric correlation coefficient (IHCC) and wavelet phase coherence (WPCO) from resting-state NIRS and concentration of oxyhemoglobin during fast finger-tapping tasks were explored to reflect the symmetry between the two hemispheres and cortical activity, respectively. Results The IHCC and WPCO of NIRS data in the SMC region under Bi-cTBS/iTBS showed relatively small values at low-frequency bands III (0.06–0.15 Hz) and IV (0.02–0.06), indicating a significant desynchronization in both time and frequency domains. In addition, the SMC activation induced by fast finger-tapping exercise was significantly greater during Uni-iTBS as well as during and post Bi-cTBS/iTBS sessions. Conclusions It appears that a 10 min and 2 mA Bi-cTBS/iTBS applied over two hemispheres within the primary motor cortex region could effectively modulate the interhemispheric synchronization and cortical activation in the SMC of healthy subjects. Our study demonstrated that bilateral HD-TBS approaches is an effective noninvasive brain stimulation scheme which could be a novel therapeutic for inducing effects of neuromodulation on various neurological disorders caused by ischemic stroke or traumatic brain injuries.
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8
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Vlasov A, Feurra M, Djurdjevic V. Single gene polymorphisms as a predictor of noninvasive brain stimulation effectiveness (commentary on Pellegrini et al, 2021). Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:892-894. [PMID: 34981588 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Vlasov
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia.,Medical and Biological Research Laboratory, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health (FSBS IRIOH), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Matteo Feurra
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Djurdjevic
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia
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9
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Iddings JA, Zarkou A, Field-Fote EC. Noninvasive neuromodulation and rehabilitation to promote functional restoration in persons with spinal cord injury. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:812-818. [PMID: 34766554 PMCID: PMC8597924 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will focus on the use of clinically accessible neuromodulatory approaches for functional restoration in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). RECENT FINDINGS Functional restoration is a primary rehabilitation priority for individuals with SCI. High-tech neuromodulatory modalities have been used in laboratory settings to improve hand and walking function as well as to reduce spasticity and pain in persons with SCI. However, the cost, limited accessibility, and required expertise are prohibitive for clinical applicability of these high-tech modalities. Recent literature indicates that noninvasive and clinically accessible approaches targeting supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral neural structures can modulate neural excitability. Although a limited number of studies have examined the use of these approaches for functional restoration and amelioration of secondary complications in SCI, early evidence investigating their efficacy when combined with training is encouraging. SUMMARY Larger sample studies addressing both biomarker identification and dosing are crucial next steps in the field of neurorehabilitation research before novel noninvasive stimulation approaches can be incorporated into standard clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Iddings
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory, Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center
| | - Anastasia Zarkou
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory, Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center
| | - Edelle C Field-Fote
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory, Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, Emory University
- Program in Applied Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Schilberg L, Ten Oever S, Schuhmann T, Sack AT. Phase and power modulations on the amplitude of TMS-induced motor evoked potentials. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255815. [PMID: 34529682 PMCID: PMC8445484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) promises valuable information about fundamental brain related mechanisms and may serve as a diagnostic tool for clinical monitoring of therapeutic progress or surgery procedures. However, reports about spontaneous fluctuations of MEP amplitudes causing high intra-individual variability have led to increased concerns about the reliability of this measure. One possible cause for high variability of MEPs could be neuronal oscillatory activity, which reflects fluctuations of membrane potentials that systematically increase and decrease the excitability of neuronal networks. Here, we investigate the dependence of MEP amplitude on oscillation power and phase by combining the application of single pulse TMS over the primary motor cortex with concurrent recordings of electromyography and electroencephalography. Our results show that MEP amplitude is correlated to alpha phase, alpha power as well as beta phase. These findings may help explain corticospinal excitability fluctuations by highlighting the modulatory effect of alpha and beta phase on MEPs. In the future, controlling for such a causal relationship may allow for the development of new protocols, improve this method as a (diagnostic) tool and increase the specificity and efficacy of general TMS applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schilberg
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Ten Oever
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Language and Computation in Neural Systems Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Teresa Schuhmann
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Maastricht Brain Imaging Centre (MBIC), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander T. Sack
- Section Brain Stimulation and Cognition, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Maastricht Brain Imaging Centre (MBIC), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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11
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Wang SMS, Huang YJ, Chen JJJ, Wu CW, Chen CA, Lin CW, Nguyen VT, Peng CW. Designing and pilot testing a novel high-definition transcranial burst electrostimulation device for neurorehabilitation. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34479230 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac23be] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Non-invasive brain stimulation has been promoted to facilitate neuromodulation in treating neurological diseases. Recently, high-definition (HD) transcranial electrical stimulation and a novel electrical waveform combining a direct current (DC) and theta burst stimulation (TBS)-like protocol were proposed and demonstrated high potential to enhance neuroplastic effects in a more-efficient manner. In this study, we designed a novel HD transcranial burst electrostimulation device and to preliminarily examined its therapeutic potential in neurorehabilitation.Approach.A prototype of the transcranial burst electrostimulation device was developed, which can flexibly output a waveform that combined a DC and TBS-like protocol and can equally distribute the current into 4 × 1 HD electrical stimulation by automatic impedance adjustments. The safety and accuracy of the device were then validated in a series ofin vitroexperiments. Finally, a pilot clinical trial was conducted to assess its clinical safety and therapeutic potential on upper-extremity rehabilitation in six patients with chronic stroke, where patients received either active or sham HD transcranial burst electrostimulation combined with occupational therapy three times per week for four weeks.Main results.The prototype was tested, and it was found to comply with all safety requirements. The output parameters were accurate and met the clinical study needs. The pilot clinical study demonstrated that the active HD transcranial burst electrostimulation group had greater improvement in voluntary motor function and coordination of the upper extremity than the sham control group. Additionally, no severe adverse events were noted, but slight skin redness under the stimulus electrode immediately after stimulation was seen.Conclusions.The results demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating the HD electrical DC and TBS-like protocol in our device; and the novel neuromodulatory device produced positive neurorehabilitation outcomes in a safe fashion, which could be the basis for the future clinical implementation for treating neurological diseases.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04278105. Registered on 20 February 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Min Samuel Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jing Huang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Jin Jason Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-An Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Van-Truong Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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A Novel Highly Durable Carbon/Silver/Silver Chloride Composite Electrode for High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11081962. [PMID: 34443793 PMCID: PMC8400871 DOI: 10.3390/nano11081962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a promising non-invasive neuromodulation technique, which has been widely used in the clinical intervention and treatment of neurological or psychiatric disorders. Sintered Ag/AgCl electrode has become a preferred candidate for HD-tDCS, but its service life is very short, especially for long-term anodal stimulation. To address this issue, a novel highly durable conductive carbon/silver/silver chloride composite (C/Ag/AgCl) electrode was fabricated by a facile cold rolling method. The important parameters were systematically optimized, including the conductive enhancer, the particle size of Ag powder, the C:Ag:PTFE ratio, the saline concentration, and the active substance loading. The CNT/Ag/AgCl-721 electrode demonstrated excellent specific capacity and cycling performance. Both constant current anodal polarization and simulated tDCS measurement demonstrated that the service life of the CNT/Ag/AgCl-721 electrodes was 15-16 times of that of sintered Ag/AgCl electrodes. The much longer service life can be attributed to the formation of the three-dimensional interpenetrating conductive network with CNT doping, which can maintain a good conductivity and cycling performance even if excessive non-conductive AgCl is accumulated on the surface during long-term anodal stimulation. Considering their low cost, long service life, and good skin tolerance, the proposed CNT/Ag/AgCl electrodes have shown promising application prospects in HD-tDCS, especially for daily life scenarios.
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13
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Masina F, Arcara G, Galletti E, Cinque I, Gamberini L, Mapelli D. Neurophysiological and behavioural effects of conventional and high definition tDCS. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7659. [PMID: 33828202 PMCID: PMC8027218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) seems to overcome a drawback of traditional bipolar tDCS: the wide-spread diffusion of the electric field. Nevertheless, most of the differences that characterise the two techniques are based on mathematical simulations and not on real, behavioural and neurophysiological, data. The study aims to compare a widespread tDCS montage (i.e., a Conventional bipolar montage with extracephalic return electrode) and HD-tDCS, investigating differences both at a behavioural level, in terms of dexterity performance, and a neurophysiological level, as modifications of alpha and beta power as measured with EEG. Thirty participants took part in three sessions, one for each montage: Conventional tDCS, HD-tDCS, and sham. In all the conditions, the anode was placed over C4, while the cathode/s placed according to the montage. At baseline, during, and after each stimulation condition, dexterity was assessed with a Finger Tapping Task. In addition, resting-state EEG was recorded at baseline and after the stimulation. Power spectrum density was calculated, selecting two frequency bands: alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (18-22 Hz). Linear mixed effect models (LMMs) were used to analyse the modulation induced by tDCS. To evaluate differences among the montages and consider state-dependency phenomenon, the post-stimulation measurements were covariate-adjusted for baseline levels. We observed that HD-tDCS induced an alpha power reduction in participants with lower alpha at baseline. Conversely, Conventional tDCS induced a beta power reduction in participants with higher beta at baseline. Furthermore, data showed a trend towards a behavioural effect of HD-tDCS in participants with lower beta at baseline showing faster response times. Conventional and HD-tDCS distinctively modulated cortical activity. The study highlights the importance of considering state-dependency to determine the effects of tDCS on individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Masina
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy. .,Human Inspired Technologies Research Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Eleonora Galletti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Isabella Cinque
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Luciano Gamberini
- Human Inspired Technologies Research Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Mapelli
- Human Inspired Technologies Research Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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14
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GARDI AZ, VOGEL AK, DHARIA AK, KRISHNAN C. Effect of conventional transcranial direct current stimulation devices and electrode sizes on motor cortical excitability of the quadriceps muscle. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2021; 39:379-391. [PMID: 34657855 PMCID: PMC8926458 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-211210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing concern among the scientific community that the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are highly variable across studies. The use of different tDCS devices and electrode sizes may contribute to this variability; however, this issue has not been verified experimentally. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of tDCS device and electrode size on quadriceps motor cortical excitability. METHODS The effect of tDCS device and electrode size on quadriceps motor cortical excitability was quantified across a range of TMS intensities using a novel evoked torque approach that has been previously shown to be highly reliable. In experiment 1, anodal tDCS-induced excitability changes were measured in twenty individuals using two devices (Empi and Soterix) on two separate days. In experiment 2, anodal tDCS-induced excitability changes were measured in thirty individuals divided into three groups based on the electrode size. A novel Bayesian approach was used in addition to the classical hypothesis testing during data analyses. RESULTS There were no significant main or interaction effects, indicating that cortical excitability did not differ between different tDCS devices or electrode sizes. The lack of pre-post time effect in both experiments indicated that cortical excitability was minimally affected by anodal tDCS. Bayesian analyses indicated that the null model was more favored than the main or the interaction effects model. CONCLUSIONS Motor cortical excitability was not altered by anodal tDCS and did not differ by devices or electrode sizes used in the study. Future studies should examine if behavioral outcomes are different based on tDCS device or electrode size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Z. GARDI
- NeuRRo Lab, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amanda K. VOGEL
- NeuRRo Lab, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aastha K. DHARIA
- NeuRRo Lab, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chandramouli KRISHNAN
- NeuRRo Lab, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Xiao S, Wang B, Zhang X, Zhou J, Fu W. Systematic Review of the Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Neuromechanical Management of Foot and Ankle Physical Performance in Healthy Adults. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:587680. [PMID: 33251200 PMCID: PMC7673373 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.587680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to review existing literature regarding the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the physical performances of the foot and ankle of healthy adults and discuss the underlying neurophysiological mechanism through which cortical activities influence the neuromechanical management of the physical performances of the foot and ankle. Methods: This systematic review has followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science. Studies were included according to the Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Setting inclusion strategy. The risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and the quality of each study was evaluated through the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: The electronic search resulted in 145 studies. Only eight studies were included after screening. The studies performed well in terms of allocation, blinding effectiveness, and selective reporting. Besides, the PEDro scores of all the studies were over six, which indicated that the included studies have high quality. Seven studies reported that tDCS induced remarkable improvements in the physical performances of the foot and ankle, including foot sole vibratory and tactile threshold, toe pinch force, ankle choice reaction time, accuracy index of ankle tracking, and ankle range of motion, compared with sham. Conclusion: The results in these studies demonstrate that tDCS is promising to help improve the physical performances of the foot and ankle. The possible underlying mechanisms are that tDCS can ultimately influence the neural circuitry responsible for the neuromechanical regulation of the foot and ankle and then improve their physical performances. However, the number of studies included was limited and their sample sizes were small; therefore, more researches are highly needed to confirm the findings of the current studies and explore the underlying neuromechanical effects of tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Xiao
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xini Zhang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhong Zhou
- The Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Weijie Fu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Pellegrini M, Zoghi M, Jaberzadeh S. Can genetic polymorphisms predict response variability to anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex? Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:1569-1591. [PMID: 33048398 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic mediation of cortical plasticity and the role genetic variants play in previously observed response variability to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have become important issues in the tDCS literature in recent years. This study investigated whether inter-individual variability to tDCS was in-part genetically mediated. In 61 healthy males, anodal-tDCS (a-tDCS) and sham-tDCS were administered to the primary motor cortex at 1 mA for 10-min via 6 × 4 cm active and 7 × 5 cm return electrodes. Twenty-five single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded to represent corticospinal excitability (CSE). Twenty-five paired-pulse MEPs were recorded with 3 ms inter-stimulus interval (ISI) to assess intracortical inhibition (ICI) via short-interval intracranial inhibition (SICI) and 10 ms ISI for intracortical facilitation (ICF). Saliva samples were tested for specific genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding for excitatory and inhibitory neuroreceptors. Individuals were sub-grouped based on a pre-determined threshold and via statistical cluster analysis. Two distinct subgroups were identified, increases in CSE following a-tDCS (i.e. Responders) and no increase or even reductions in CSE (i.e. Non-responders). No changes in ICI or ICF were reported. No relationships were reported between genetic polymorphisms in excitatory receptor genes and a-tDCS responders. An association was reported between a-tDCS responders and GABRA3 gene polymorphisms encoding for GABA-A receptors suggesting potential relationships between GABA-A receptor variations and capacity to undergo tDCS-induced cortical plasticity. In the largest tDCS study of its kind, this study presents an important step forward in determining the contribution genetic factors play in previously observed inter-individual variability to tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pellegrini
- Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, School of Allied Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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