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Brito R, Marroquim B, Shirahige L, Baltar A, Rocha S, Perruci A, Monte-Silva K. Trans-spinal magnetic stimulation combined with kinesiotherapy as a new method for enhancing functional recovery in patients with spinal cord injury due to neuromyelitis optica: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:386. [PMID: 39152447 PMCID: PMC11330148 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04636-7] [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] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies have shown that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TsMS) decreases demyelination and enables recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the usefulness of TsMS in humans with SCI remains unclear. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy on SCI symptoms. We describe a protocol treatment with TsMS and kinesiotherapy in a patient with SCI due to neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-associated transverse myelitis. CASE PRESENTATION A 23-year-old white male with NMO spectrum disorders started symptoms in 2014 and included lumbar pain evolving into a mild loss of strength and sensitivity in both lower limbs. Five months later, the symptoms improved spontaneously, and there were no sensorimotor deficits. Two years later, in 2016, the symptoms recurred with a total loss of strength and sensitivity in both lower limbs. Initially, physiotherapy was provided in 15 sessions with goals of motor-sensory recovery and improving balance and functional mobility. Subsequently, TsMS (10 Hz, 600 pulses, 20-seconds inter-trains interval, at 90% of resting motor threshold of the paravertebral muscle) was applied at the 10th thoracic vertebral spinous process before physiotherapy in 12 sessions. Outcomes were assessed at three time points: prior to physiotherapy alone (T-1), before the first session of TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy (T0), and after 12 sessions of TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy (T1). The patient showed a 25% improvement in walking independence, a 125% improvement in balance, and an 18.8% improvement in functional mobility. The Patient Global Impression of Change Scale assessed the patient's global impression of change as 'much improved'. CONCLUSION TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy may safely and effectively improve balance, walking independence, and functional mobility of patients with SCI due to NMO-associated transverse myelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Brito
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil
- NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Recife, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Marroquim
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Lívia Shirahige
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil
- NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Recife, Brazil
| | - Adriana Baltar
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil
- NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Recife, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Rocha
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Alexia Perruci
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Katia Monte-Silva
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes Avenue, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil.
- NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Recife, Brazil.
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Dirks CAH, Bachmann CG. From brain to spinal cord: neuromodulation by direct current stimulation and its promising effects as a treatment option for restless legs syndrome. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1278200. [PMID: 38333606 PMCID: PMC10850250 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1278200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation is a fast-growing field of mostly non-invasive therapies, which includes spinal cord stimulation (SCS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), peripheral nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). This narrative review offers an overview of the therapy options, especially of tDCS and tsDCS for chronic pain and spinal cord injury. Finally, we discuss the potential of tsDCS in Restless Legs Syndrome as a promising non-invasive, alternative therapy to medication therapy.
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Popyvanova A, Pomelova E, Bredikhin D, Koriakina M, Shestakova A, Blagovechtchenski E. Transspinal Direct Current Electrical Stimulation Selectively Affects the Excitability of the Corticospinal System, Depending on the Intensity but Not Motor Skills. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2353. [PMID: 38137954 PMCID: PMC10744344 DOI: 10.3390/life13122353] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transspinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive technique used to modulate spinal cord activity. However, the effects and mechanisms of this stimulation are currently not comprehensively known. This study aimed to estimate the effect of different intensities of tsDCS applied at the level of cervical enlargement of the spinal cord (C7-Th1 segments) on the excitability of the corticospinal system (CSS) and the correction of motor skills in healthy subjects. The effect of tsDCS was estimated by the motor-evoked potentials (MEP) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the primary motor cortex (M1). The study involved 54 healthy adults aged 22 ± 4 years. The application of 11 min anodal tsDCS at the level of the cervical spine C7-Th1 with a current intensity of 2.5 mA did not change the MEP amplitude of the upper limb muscles, in contrast to the data that we previously obtained with a current intensity of 1.5 mA. We also found no difference in the effect of 2.5 mA stimulation on motor skill correction in healthy subjects in the nine-hole peg test (9-HPT) and the serial reaction time task (SRT) as with 1.5 mA stimulation. Our data show that an increase in the intensity of stimulation does not lead to an increase in the effects but rather reduces the effects of stimulation. These results provide information about the optimally appropriate stimulation current intensities to induce CSS excitability and the ability of tsDCS to influence motor skills in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Evgeny Blagovechtchenski
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (E.P.); (D.B.); (M.K.); (A.S.)
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Eberhardt F, Enax-Krumova E, Tegenthoff M, Höffken O, Özgül ÖS. Anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation influences the amplitude of pain-related evoked potentials in healthy subjects. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20920. [PMID: 38016967 PMCID: PMC10684856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47408-x] [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] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It has already been described that transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) can selectively influence nociceptive evoked potentials. This study is the first aiming to prove an influence of tsDCS on pain-related evoked potentials (PREP) using concentric surface electrodes (CE), whose nociceptive specificity is still under discussion. 28 healthy subjects participated in this sham-controlled, double-blind cross-over study. All subjects underwent one session of anodal and one session of sham low-thoracic tsDCS. Before and after the intervention, PREP using CE, PREP-induced pain perception and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were assessed on the right upper and lower limb. We found a decrease in PREP amplitude at the lower limb after sham stimulation, but not after anodal tsDCS, while SEP remained unchanged under all studied conditions. There was no difference between the effects of anodal tsDCS and sham stimulation on the studied parameters assessed at the upper limb. PREP-induced pain of the upper and lower limb increased after anodal tsDCS. The ability of influencing PREP using a CE at the spinal level in contrast to SEP suggests that PREP using CE follows the spinothalamic pathway and supports the assumption that it is specifically nociceptive. However, while mainly inhibitory effects on nociceptive stimuli have already been described, our results rather suggest that anodal tsDCS has a sensitizing effect. This may indicate that the mechanisms underlying the elicitation of PREP with CE are not the same as for the other nociceptive evoked potentials. The effects on the processing of different types of painful stimuli should be directly compared in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Eberhardt
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Tegenthoff
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Höffken
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Özüm Simal Özgül
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Hassan AB, Salihu AT, Masta MA, Gunn H, Marsden J, Abdullahi A, Ahmad RY, Danazumi MS. Effect of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation on spasticity in upper motor neuron conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:587-599. [PMID: 37640926 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00928-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on spasticity, activity limitations and participation restrictions in various upper motor neuron diseases. METHODS Six databases including CINAHL plus, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched for the relevant records from January 2008 to December 2022. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data on spasticity, activity limitations and participation restrictions. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale while the GRADE approach established the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS Eleven studies were identified of which 5 (45.5%) were rated as having a low risk of bias and 8 (72.7%) were meta-analyzed. The meta-analyses did not show any significant differences between cathodal (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI = -1.50 to 0.15, P = 0.11, I2 = 75%, 6 RCTs) or anodal (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.64, p = 0.69, I2 = 0%, 2 RCTs) and sham tsDCS for spasticity. There was also no significant difference between active and sham tsDCS for activity limitations (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.21, p = 0.2, I2 = 0%, 2 RCTs) and participation restrictions (MD = -8.10, 95% CI = -18.02 to 1.82, p = 0.11, 1 RCT). CONCLUSIONS The meta-analysis of the available evidence provides an uncertain estimate of the effect of cathodal tsDCS on spasticity, activity limitation and participation restriction. It might be very helpful, or it may make no difference at all. However, considering the level of the evidence and the limitation in the quality of the majority of the included studies, further well-designed research may likely change the estimate of effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021245601.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auwal B Hassan
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Abubakar T Salihu
- Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mamman A Masta
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Hilary Gunn
- Peninsula Allied Health Centre, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jonathan Marsden
- Peninsula Allied Health Centre, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Auwal Abdullahi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Rufa'i Y Ahmad
- Department of Physiotherapy, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Musa S Danazumi
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, College of Sciences, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3085, Australia.
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Kim H, Lim C, Lee JS, Kim D, Song CB, Dhaher Y. Effect of Non-invasive Spinal Stimulation on Self-sustained Firing Motoneuron Model: In-Silico Study Using Human Body Model. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083191 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal electrical stimulation (tSCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation approach using a low intensity direct current. Recent developments in the technique have opened the possibility that tSCS can help restore motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the exact mechanism of action tSCS has on the spinal circuits is still unknown. Due to the complexity of experimental synthesis in a human model to delineate the mechanisms, models that link the stimulation paradigm and circuit behaviors are advantageous. Thus, this study aims to simulate the underlying changes in motor circuit firing rates in response to external stimuli induced by tSCS. Serial stimulations combining a high-fidelity finite element model with the human torso and spinal cord with a lumped motor neuron model is constructed. The parameters for both components of the model were derived from previous studies. We focused our analysis on a lumped motor neuron model that describes sustained firing behavior of the motor neuron driven primarily by persistent inward current (PIC), a signature behavior of the motor neuron after SCI. Modulation of the PIC behaviors was achieved by stimulating voltage-dependent calcium and sodium channels in the dendrite using a tSCS-induced electric field (E-field) expressed at different a spatial locations of the motor neuron in the gray matter. The PIC behaviors of spinal motor neurons in the left ventral horn were suppressed, while for the most part invariant in the right ventral horn. These initial simulations will provide a steppingstone for future examinations that incorporate additional neuronal models of inhibitory and excitatory interneurons to access the circuit-level effect of spinal stimulation.
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Hodaj H, Payen JF, Hodaj E, Sorel M, Dumolard A, Vercueil L, Delon-Martin C, Lefaucheur JP. Long-term analgesic effect of trans-spinal direct current stimulation compared to non-invasive motor cortex stimulation in complex regional pain syndrome. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad191. [PMID: 37545548 PMCID: PMC10400160 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the analgesic effect of motor cortex stimulation using high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome. Thirty-three patients with complex regional pain syndrome were randomized to one of the three treatment groups (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, n = 11; transcranial direct current stimulation, n = 10; transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, n = 12) and received a series of 12 sessions of stimulation for 3 weeks (induction phase) and 11 sessions for 4 months (maintenance therapy). The primary end-point was the mean pain intensity assessed weekly with a visual numerical scale during the month prior to treatment (baseline), the 5-month stimulation period and 1 month after the treatment. The weekly visual numerical scale pain score was significantly reduced at all time points compared to baseline in the transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation group, at the last two time points in the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation group (end of the 5-month stimulation period and 1 month later), but at no time point in the transcranial direct current stimulation group. A significant pain relief was observed at the end of induction phase using transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation compared to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (P = 0.008) and to transcranial direct current stimulation (P = 0.003). In this trial, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation was more efficient to relieve pain in patients with complex regional pain syndrome compared to motor cortex stimulation techniques (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation). This efficacy was found during the induction phase and was maintained thereafter. This study warrants further investigation to confirm the potentiality of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation as a therapeutic option in complex regional pain syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Hodaj
- Correspondence to: Hasan Hodaj Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation CHU Grenoble Alpes, BP217, 38043 Grenoble, FranceE-mail:
| | - Jean-Francois Payen
- Centre de la Douleur, Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Enkelejda Hodaj
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Sorel
- Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Sud-Seine-et-Marne, site Nemours, Nemours, France
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Santé, Univ. Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Anne Dumolard
- Centre de la Douleur, Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Laurent Vercueil
- Service de Neurologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Chantal Delon-Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Santé, Univ. Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Service de Physiologie—Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
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Bikson M, Ganho-Ávila A, Datta A, Gillick B, Joensson MG, Kim S, Kim J, Kirton A, Lee K, Marjenin T, Onarheim B, Rehn EM, Sack AT, Unal G. Limited output transcranial electrical stimulation 2023 (LOTES-2023): Updates on engineering principles, regulatory statutes, and industry standards for wellness, over-the-counter, or prescription devices with low risk. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:840-853. [PMID: 37201865 PMCID: PMC10350287 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective and scope of this Limited Output Transcranial Electrical Stimulation 2023 (LOTES-2023) guidance is to update the previous LOTES-2017 guidance. These documents should therefore be considered together. The LOTES provides a clearly articulated and transparent framework for the design of devices providing limited output (specified low-intensity range) transcranial electrical stimulation for a variety of intended uses. These guidelines can inform trial design and regulatory decisions, but most directly inform manufacturer activities - and hence were presented in LOTES-2017 as "Voluntary industry standard for compliance controlled limited output tES devices". In LOTES-2023 we emphasize that these standards are largely aligned across international standards and national regulations (including those in USA, EU, and South Korea), and so might be better understood as "Industry standards for compliance controlled limited output tES devices". LOTES-2023 is therefore updated to reflect a consensus among emerging international standards, as well as best available scientific evidence. "Warnings" and "Precautions" are updated to align with current biomedical evidence and applications. LOTES standards applied to a constrained device dose range, but within this dose range and for different use-cases, manufacturers are responsible to conduct device-specific risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Ana Ganho-Ávila
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention-CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Abhishek Datta
- Research and Development, Soterix Medical Inc., Woodbridge, NJ, United States
| | - Bernadette Gillick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Sungjin Kim
- Ybrain Research Institute, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jinuk Kim
- Ybrain Research Institute, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Adam Kirton
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kiwon Lee
- Ybrain Research Institute, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | | | - Balder Onarheim
- Research and Development, PlatoScience ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik M Rehn
- Research and Development, Flow Neuroscience, Malmo, Skane Lan, Sweden
| | - Alexander T Sack
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gozde Unal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, New York, NY, United States.
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Guidetti M, Giannoni-Luza S, Bocci T, Pacheco-Barrios K, Bianchi AM, Parazzini M, Ionta S, Ferrucci R, Maiorana NV, Verde F, Ticozzi N, Silani V, Priori A. Modeling Electric Fields in Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation: A Clinical Perspective. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051283. [PMID: 37238953 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical findings suggest that transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) can modulate ascending sensitive, descending corticospinal, and segmental pathways in the spinal cord (SC). However, several aspects of the stimulation have not been completely understood, and realistic computational models based on MRI are the gold standard to predict the interaction between tsDCS-induced electric fields and anatomy. Here, we review the electric fields distribution in the SC during tsDCS as predicted by MRI-based realistic models, compare such knowledge with clinical findings, and define the role of computational knowledge in optimizing tsDCS protocols. tsDCS-induced electric fields are predicted to be safe and induce both transient and neuroplastic changes. This could support the possibility to explore new clinical applications, such as spinal cord injury. For the most applied protocol (2-3 mA for 20-30 min, active electrode over T10-T12 and the reference on the right shoulder), similar electric field intensities are generated in both ventral and dorsal horns of the SC at the same height. This was confirmed by human studies, in which both motor and sensitive effects were found. Lastly, electric fields are strongly dependent on anatomy and electrodes' placement. Regardless of the montage, inter-individual hotspots of higher values of electric fields were predicted, which could change when the subjects move from a position to another (e.g., from the supine to the lateral position). These characteristics underlines the need for individualized and patient-tailored MRI-based computational models to optimize the stimulation protocol. A detailed modeling approach of the electric field distribution might contribute to optimizing stimulation protocols, tailoring electrodes' configuration, intensities, and duration to the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guidetti
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Giannoni-Luza
- Sensory-Motor Lab (SeMoLa), Department of Ophthalmology-University of Lausanne, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital/Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- III Neurology Clinic, ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo University Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Lima 15024, Peru
| | - Anna Maria Bianchi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Parazzini
- Istituto di Elettronica e di Ingegneria Dell'Informazione e delle Telecomunicazioni (IEIIT), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 10129 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Ionta
- Sensory-Motor Lab (SeMoLa), Department of Ophthalmology-University of Lausanne, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital/Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- III Neurology Clinic, ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo University Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Natale Vincenzo Maiorana
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- III Neurology Clinic, ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo University Hospital, 20142 Milan, Italy
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Effect of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation in Patients with Painful Polyneuropathy and Influence of Possible Predictors of Efficacy including BDNF Polymorphism: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Crossover Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020229. [PMID: 36831772 PMCID: PMC9953758 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The neuromodulating effects of transcutaneous-spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) have been reported to block pain signaling. For patients with chronic pain, tsDCS could be a potential treatment option. To approach this, we studied the effect of anodal tsDCS on patients with neuropathic pain approaching an optimal paradigm including the investigation of different outcome predictors. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled crossover study we recruited twenty patients with neurophysiologically evaluated neuropathic pain due to polyneuropathy (PNP). Variables (VAS; pain and sleep quality) were reported daily, one week prior to, and one week after the stimulation/sham period. Anodal tsDCS (2.5 mA, 20 min) was given once daily for three days during one week. BDNF-polymorphism, pharmacological treatment, and body mass index (BMI) of all the patients were investigated. Results: Comparing the effects of sham and real stimulation at the group level, there was a tendency towards reduced pain, but no significant effects were found. However, for sleep quality a significant improvement was seen. At the individual level, 30 and 35% of the subjects had a clinically significant improvement of pain level and sleep quality, respectively, the first day after the stimulation. Both effects were reduced over the coming week and these changes were negatively correlated. The BDNF polymorphism Val66Met was carried by 35% of the patients and this group was found to have a lower general level of pain but there was no significant difference in the tsDCS response effect. Neither pharmacologic treatment or BMI influenced the treatment effect. Conclusions: Short-term and sparse anodal thoracic tsDCS reduces pain and improves sleep with large inter-individual differences. Roughly 30% will benefit in a clinically meaningful way. The BDNF genotype seems to influence the level of pain that PNP produces. Individualized and intensified tsDCS may be a treatment option for neuropathic pain due to PNP.
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Pereira M, Fernandes SR, Miranda PC, de Carvalho M. Lumbar trans-spinal direct current stimulation: A modeling-experimental approach to dorsal root ganglia stimulation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1041932. [PMID: 36570853 PMCID: PMC9773993 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1041932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The excitability of spinal motor neurons (MN) can be altered through subthreshold currents, such as transcutaneous spinal direct-current stimulation (tsDCS). Current evidence shows that tsDCS can interfere with ascending somatosensory pathways and lower motor neurons' (LMN) excitability, which points to its therapeutic potential for repairing altered spinal responses. We aim to define the best tsDCS montage for maximizing the electric field (E-field) in the lumbar spinal cord (L-SC) by computer modeling; and to apply this montage to measure the effect on LMN excitability and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). Methods A human volume conductor model was obtained from an available database. The E-field distribution was calculated considering three different electrode settings aiming at maximizing the field at L-SC and right dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The best electrode setting was then selected and applied in a blind crossover pseudo-randomized study including 14 subjects. tsDCS was delivered for 15 min (cathodal vs. sham) over L2 vertebra level (4 mA, 144 mC/cm2), and its effect on F-waves, H-reflex (including homosynaptic depression, HD) and SSEPs was investigated in the lower limbs. Results All simulated montages showed higher current density and E-field magnitudes between the electrodes (>0.15 V/m), with a major longitudinal component and with rostral-caudal direction. The induced E-field involved the sensory ganglia and was maximum in the right T8-left L2 montage, which was the one selected for the experimental protocol. We disclosed a statistically significant increase of the H-reflex amplitude at 0.1 Hz, after cathodal tsDCS (c-tsDCS) on both sides. No other significant change was observed. Discussion Our results can suggest the c-tsDCS applied to the L-SC and DRG can modulate synaptic efficiency increasing lower motor neurons response to Ia fibers excitation. The possible implications of our findings for treating clinical conditions will be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Rita Fernandes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Cavaleiro Miranda
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Hospital de Santa Maria - Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal,*Correspondence: Mamede de Carvalho,
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12
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Adeel M, Lin BS, Chen HC, Lai CH, Liou JC, Wu CW, Chan WP, Peng CW. Motor Neuroplastic Effects of a Novel Paired Stimulation Technology in an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169447. [PMID: 36012710 PMCID: PMC9409074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired stimulation of the brain and spinal cord can remodel the central nervous tissue circuitry in an animal model to induce motor neuroplasticity. The effects of simultaneous stimulation vary according to the extent and severity of spinal cord injury. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the significant effects on an incomplete SCI rat brain and spinal cord through 3 min and 20 min stimulations after 4 weeks of intervention. Thirty-three Sprague Dawley rats were classified into six groups: (1) normal, (2) sham, (3) iTBS/tsDCS, (4) iTBS/ts-iTBS, (5) rTMS/tsDCS, and (6) rTMS/ts-iTBS. Paired stimulation of the brain cortex and spinal cord thoracic (T10) level was applied simultaneously for 3−20 min. The motor evoked potential (MEP) and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were recorded after every week of intervention for four weeks along with wheel training for 20 min. Three-minute stimulation with the iTBS/tsDCS intervention induced a significant (p < 0.050 *) increase in MEP after week 2 and week 4 treatments, while 3 min iTBS/ts-iTBS significantly improved MEP (p < 0.050 *) only after the week 3 intervention. The 20 min rTMS/ts-iTBS intervention showed a significant change only in post_5 min after week 4. The BBB score also changed significantly in all groups except for the 20 min rTMS/tsDCS intervention. iTBS/tsDCS and rTMS/ts-iTBS interventions induce neuroplasticity in an incomplete SCI animal model by significantly changing electrophysiological (MEP) and locomotion (BBB) outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Adeel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taipei University, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Shing Lin
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taipei University, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chou Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Lai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiun Liou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wing P. Chan
- Department of Radiology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Research Center of Biomedical Device, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3070)
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13
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Dhondt E, Van Oosterwijck S, Van Branteghem T, Rhudy JL, Danneels L, Van Oosterwijck J. Modulation of the nociceptive flexion reflex by conservative therapy in patients and healthy people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain 2022; 163:1446-1463. [PMID: 34813517 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinally mediated withdrawal response and is used as an electrophysiological marker of descending modulation of spinal nociception. Chemical and pharmacological modulation of nociceptive neurotransmission at the spinal level has been evidenced by direct effects of neurotransmitters and pharmacological agents on the NFR. Largely unexplored are, however, the effects of nonpharmacological noninvasive conservative interventions on the NFR. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed and reported following the PRISMA guidelines to determine whether and to what extent spinal nociception measured through the assessment of the NFR is modulated by conservative therapy in patients and healthy individuals. Five electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Retrieved articles were screened on eligibility using the predefined inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was investigated according to Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for randomized trials. The evidence synthesis for this review was conducted in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Thirty-six articles were included. Meta-analyses provided low-quality evidence showing that conservative therapy decreases NFR area and NFR magnitude and moderate-quality evidence for increases in NFR latency. This suggests that conservative interventions can exert immediate central effects by activating descending inhibitory pathways to reduce spinal nociception. Such interventions may help prevent and treat chronic pain characterized by enhanced spinal nociception. Furthermore, given the responsiveness of the NFR to conservative interventions, the NFR assessment seems to be an appropriate tool in empirical evaluations of treatment strategies.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020164495.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evy Dhondt
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group
| | - Sophie Van Oosterwijck
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group
- Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Branteghem
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jamie L Rhudy
- Department of Psychology, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Lieven Danneels
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jessica Van Oosterwijck
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group
- Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Fava de Lima F, Silva CR, Kohn AF. Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) does not affect postural sway of young and healthy subjects during quiet upright standing. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267718. [PMID: 35482798 PMCID: PMC9049532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is an effective non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation technique to induce neuromodulation of local and distal neural circuits of the central nervous system (CNS). Applied to the spinal cord lumbosacral region, tsDCS changes electrophysiological responses of the motor, proprioceptive and nociceptive pathways, alters the performance of some lower limb motor tasks and can even modulate the behavior of supramedullary neuronal networks. In this study an experimental protocol was conducted to verify if tsDCS (5 mA, 20 minutes) of two different polarizations, applied over the lumbosacral region (tenth thoracic vertebrae (T10)), can induce changes in postural sway oscillations of young healthy individuals during quiet standing. A novel initialization of the electrical stimulation was developed to improve subject blinding to the different stimulus conditions including the sham trials. Measures of postural sway, both global and structural, were computed before, during and following the DC stimulation period. The results indicated that, for the adopted conditions, tsDCS did not induce statistically significant changes in postural sway of young healthy individuals during quiet standing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Fava de Lima
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Cristiano Rocha Silva
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andre Fabio Kohn
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Hawkins KA, DeMark LA, Vistamehr A, Snyder HJ, Conroy C, Wauneka C, Tonuzi G, Fuller DD, Clark DJ, Fox EJ. Feasibility of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation combined with locomotor training after spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2022; 60:971-977. [PMID: 35477745 PMCID: PMC9606142 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Study Design: Feasibility study, consisting of random-order, cross-over study of a single intervention session, followed by a parallel-arm study of 16 sessions Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of a novel combinatorial approach with simultaneous delivery of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) and locomotor training (tsDCS+LT) after spinal cord injury, compared to sham stimulation and locomotor training (sham+LT), and examine preliminary effects on walking function. Setting: Clinical research center in the southeastern United States Methods: Eight individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) completed the two-part protocol. Feasibility was assessed based on safety (adverse responses), tolerability (pain, spasticity, skin integrity), and protocol achievement (session duration, intensity). Walking function was assessed with the 10-meter and 6-minute walk tests. Results: There were no major adverse responses. Minimal reports of skin irritation and musculoskeletal pain were consistent between groups. Average training peak heart rate as percent of maximum (mean(SD); tsDCS+LT: 66(4)%, sham+LT: 69(10)%) and Borg ratings of perceived exertion (tsDCS+LT: 17.5(1.2), sham+LT: 14.4(1.8)) indicate both groups trained at high intensities. Walking speed gains exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in three of four who received tsDCS+LT (0.18(0.29) m/s) and one of four in sham+LT (−0.05(0.23) m/s). Gains in walking endurance exceeded the MCID in one of four in each group (tsDCS+LT: 36.4(69.0) m, sham+LT: 4.9(56.9) m). Conclusions: Combinatorial tsDCS and locomotor training is safe and feasible for individuals with chronic ISCI, even those with considerable walking impairment. Study outcomes support the need to investigate the efficacy of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Hawkins
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David D Fuller
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David J Clark
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily J Fox
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Brooks Rehabilitation, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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16
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Rahman MA, Tharu NS, Gustin SM, Zheng YP, Alam M. Trans-Spinal Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Functional Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury: Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1550. [PMID: 35329875 PMCID: PMC8954138 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most debilitating injuries in the world. Complications after SCI, such as respiratory issues, bowel/bladder incontinency, pressure ulcers, autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity, pain, etc., lead to immense suffering, a remarkable reduction in life expectancy, and even premature death. Traditional rehabilitations for people with SCI are often insignificant or ineffective due to the severity and complexity of the injury. However, the recent development of noninvasive electrical neuromodulation treatments to the spinal cord have shed a ray of hope for these individuals to regain some of their lost functions, a reduction in secondary complications, and an improvement in their life quality. For this review, 250 articles were screened and about 150 were included to summarize the two most promising noninvasive spinal cord electrical stimulation methods of SCI rehabilitation treatment, namely, trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) and trans-spinal pulsed current stimulation (tsPCS). Both treatments have demonstrated good success in not only improving the sensorimotor function, but also autonomic functions. Due to the noninvasive nature and lower costs of these treatments, in the coming years, we expect these treatments to be integrated into regular rehabilitation therapies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Akhlasur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
- Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar Union 1343, Bangladesh
| | - Niraj Singh Tharu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
| | - Sylvia M. Gustin
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
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17
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Effects of paired stimulation with specific waveforms on cortical and spinal plasticity in subjects with a chronic spinal cord injury. J Formos Med Assoc 2022; 121:2044-2056. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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18
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Naro A, Billeri L, Balletta T, Lauria P, Onesta MP, Calabrò RS. Finding the Way to Improve Motor Recovery of Patients with Spinal Cord Lesions: A Case-Control Pilot Study on a Novel Neuromodulation Approach. Brain Sci 2022; 12:119. [PMID: 35053862 PMCID: PMC8773706 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) are interventions that, both individually and combined, can significantly enhance motor performance after spinal cord injury (SCI). We sought to determine whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with active transvertebral direct current stimulation (tvDCS) (namely, NIBS) in association with RAR (RAR + NIBS) improves lower extremity motor function more than RAR alone in subjects with motor incomplete SCI (iSCI). Fifteen adults with iSCI received one daily session of RAR+NIBS in the early afternoon, six sessions weekly, for eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included the 6 min walk test (6MWT), the 10 m walk test (10MWT), the timed up and go (TUG) to test mobility and balance, the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II), the Functional Independence Measure-Locomotion (FIM-L), the manual muscle testing for lower extremity motor score (LEMS), the modified Ashworth scale for lower limbs (MAS), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The data of these subjects were compared with those of 20 individuals matched for clinical and demographic features who previously received the same amount or RAR without NIBS (RAR - NIBS). All patients completed the trial, and none reported any side effects either during or following the training. The 10MWT improved in both groups, but the increase was significantly greater following RAR + NIBS than RAR - NIBS. The same occurred for the FIM-L, LEMS, and WISCI II. No significant differences were appreciable concerning the 6MWT and TUG. Conversely, RAR - NIBS outperformed RAR + NIBS regarding the MAS and VAS. Pairing tvDCS with rTMS during RAR can improve lower extremity motor function more than RAR alone can do. Future research with a larger sample size is recommended to determine longer-term effects on motor function and activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Tina Balletta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lauria
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
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19
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Therkildsen ER, Nielsen JB, Beck MM, Yamaguchi T, Lorentzen J. The effect of cathodal transspinal direct current stimulation on tibialis anterior stretch reflex components in humans. Exp Brain Res 2021; 240:159-171. [PMID: 34686909 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal DC stimulation (tsDCS) shows promise as a technique for the facilitation of functional recovery of motor function following central nervous system (CNS) lesion. However, the network mechanisms that are responsible for the effects of tsDCS are still uncertain. Here, in a series of experiments, we tested the hypothesis that tsDCS increases the excitability of the long-latency stretch reflex, leading to increased excitability of corticospinal neurons in the primary motor cortex. Experiments were performed in 33 adult human subjects (mean age 28 ± 7 years/14 females). Subjects were seated in a reclining armchair with the right leg attached to a footplate, which could be quickly plantarflexed (100 deg/s; 6 deg amplitude) to induce stretch reflexes in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle at short (45 ms) and longer latencies (90-95 ms). This setup also enabled measuring motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and cervicomedullary evoked potentials (cMEPs) from TA evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical stimulation at the cervical junction, respectively. Cathodal tsDCS at 2.5 and 4 mA was found to increase the long-latency reflex without any significant effect on the short-latency reflex. Furthermore, TA MEPs, but not cMEPs, were increased following tsDCS. We conclude that cathodal tsDCS over lumbar segments may facilitate proprioceptive transcortical reflexes in the TA muscle, and we suggest that the most likely explanation of this facilitation is an effect on ascending fibers in the dorsal columns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rudjord Therkildsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute 33.3, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jens Bo Nielsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute 33.3, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Elsass Foundation, Holmegaardsvej 28, 2920, Charlottenlund, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Malling Beck
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tomofumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute 33.3, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, 2-1-1Bunkyo-ku, HongoTokyo, Japan
| | - Jakob Lorentzen
- Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute 33.3, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Guidetti M, Ferrucci R, Vergari M, Aglieco G, Naci A, Versace S, Pacheco-Barrios K, Giannoni-Luza S, Barbieri S, Priori A, Bocci T. Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) in Patients With Chronic Pain: A Clinical and Neurophysiological Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:695910. [PMID: 34552550 PMCID: PMC8450534 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.695910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Chronic pain is a complex clinical condition, often devastating for patients and unmanageable with pharmacological treatments. Converging evidence suggests that transcutaneous spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) might represent a complementary therapy in managing chronic pain. In this randomized, double-blind and sham-controlled crossover study, we assessed tsDCS effects in chronic pain patients. Methods: Sixteen patients (aged 65.06 ± 16.16 years, eight women) with chronic pain of different etiology underwent sham and anodal tsDCS (anode over the tenth thoracic vertebra, cathode over the somatosensory cortical area: 2.5 mA, 20 min, 5 days for 1 week). As outcomes, we considered the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and the components of the lower limb flexion reflex (LLFR), i.e., RIII threshold, RII latency and area, RIII latency and area, and flexion reflex (FR) total area. Assessments were conducted before (T0), immediately at the end of the treatment (T1), after 1 week (T2) and 1 month (T3). Results: Compared to sham, anodal tsDCS reduced RIII area at T2 (p = 0.0043) and T3 (p = 0.0012); similarly, FR total area was reduced at T3 (p = 0.03). Clinically, anodal tsDCS dampened VAS at T3 (p = 0.015), and NPSI scores at T1 (p = 0.0012), and T3 (p = 0.0015), whereas sham condition left them unchanged. Changes in VAS and NPSI scores linearly correlated with the reduction in LLFR areas (p = 0.0004). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that tsDCS could modulate nociceptive processing and pain perception in chronic pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guidetti
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale-Santi Paolo e Carlo University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vergari
- Neurophysiology Unit, Foundation Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Aglieco
- Neurophysiology Unit, Foundation Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Anisa Naci
- Neurophysiology Unit, Foundation Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Versace
- Neurophysiology Unit, Foundation Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Clinical Research Learning, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Stefano Giannoni-Luza
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Clinical Research Learning, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sergio Barbieri
- Neurophysiology Unit, Foundation Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale-Santi Paolo e Carlo University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale-Santi Paolo e Carlo University Hospital, Milan, Italy
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21
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Modulation of torque evoked by wide-pulse, high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation and the potential implications for rehabilitation and training. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6399. [PMID: 33737664 PMCID: PMC7973712 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85645-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for rehabilitation is proportional to the evoked torque. The progressive increase in torque (extra torque) that may develop in response to low intensity wide-pulse high-frequency (WPHF) NMES holds great promise for rehabilitation as it overcomes the main limitation of NMES, namely discomfort. WPHF NMES extra torque is thought to result from reflexively recruited motor units at the spinal level. However, whether WPHF NMES evoked force can be modulated is unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of two interventions known to change the state of spinal circuitry in opposite ways on evoked torque and motor unit recruitment by WPHF NMES. The interventions were high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). We show that TENS performed before a bout of WPHF NMES results in lower evoked torque (median change in torque time-integral: - 56%) indicating that WPHF NMES-evoked torque might be modulated. In contrast, the anodal tsDCS protocol used had no effect on any measured parameter. Our results demonstrate that WPHF NMES extra torque can be modulated and although the TENS intervention blunted extra torque production, the finding that central contribution to WPHF NMES-evoked torques can be modulated opens new avenues for designing interventions to enhance WPHF NMES.
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22
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Ciccone AB, Fry AC, Emerson DM, Gallagher PM, Herda TJ, Weir JP. Effects of Transspinal Direct Current Stimulation on Cycling Perception of Effort and Time to Exhaustion. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:347-352. [PMID: 33306592 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ciccone, AB, Fry, AC, Emerson, DM, Gallagher, PM, Herda, TJ, and Weir, JP. Effects of transspinal direct current stimulation on cycling perception of effort and time to exhaustion. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 347-352, 2021-In the past decade, researchers have investigated the efficacy of transspinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on the central nervous system and afferent neuron function in humans. Recently, data have suggested it may be possible for such tsDCS-induced changes in neuromuscular function to enhance performance. This study used noninvasive thoracic spine tsDCS to determine if cycling performance and perception of effort could be modulated by tsDCS. In 3 different stimulation conditions, anodal, cathodal, and sham, subjects cycled at 80% of their maximal aerobic capacity until exhaustion and reported their rating of perceived exertion (RPE) every minute. From this period, we compared the RPE responses over the first 3 minutes and time to exhaustion. There was no significant difference in time to exhaustion between anodal (408 ± 121 seconds), cathodal (413 ± 168 seconds), and sham (440 ± 189 seconds) conditions (p = 0.58). There was no significant difference in RPE from minutes 1-3 (collapsed across time) between anodal (12.9 ± 2.4 arbitrary units (AUs)), cathodal (13.3 ± 2.2 AUs), and sham (12.9 ± 2.1 AUs) conditions (p = 0.51). These data suggest tsDCS condition did not influence cycling performance or perception of effort during high-intensity cycling. Therefore, thoracic spine and lower abdominal montage delivering a current density of 0.071 mA·cm-2 for 20 minutes likely does not substantially improve high-intensity cycling work capacity. Therefore, more research is needed to investigate the efficacy of tsDCS and which stimulation methods may and may not enhance human performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B Ciccone
- Department of Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah; and
| | - Andrew C Fry
- Osness Human Performance Laboratories, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Dawn M Emerson
- Osness Human Performance Laboratories, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Philip M Gallagher
- Osness Human Performance Laboratories, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Trent J Herda
- Osness Human Performance Laboratories, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Joseph P Weir
- Osness Human Performance Laboratories, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
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23
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Bączyk M, Krutki P, Zytnicki D. Is there hope that transpinal direct current stimulation corrects motoneuron excitability and provides neuroprotection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14706. [PMID: 33463907 PMCID: PMC7814489 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of largely unknown pathophysiology, characterized by the progressive loss of motoneurons (MNs). We review data showing that in presymptomatic ALS mice, MNs display reduced intrinsic excitability and impaired level of excitatory inputs. The loss of repetitive firing specifically affects the large MNs innervating fast contracting muscle fibers, which are the most vulnerable MNs in ALS. Interventions that aimed at restoring either the intrinsic excitability or the synaptic excitation result in a decrease of disease markers in MNs and delayed neuromuscular junction denervation. We then focus on trans‐spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), a noninvasive tool, since it modulates the activity of spinal neurons and networks. Effects of tsDCS depend on the polarity of applied current. Recent work shows that anodal tsDCS induces long‐lasting enhancement of MN excitability and synaptic excitation of spinal MNs. Moreover, we show preliminary results indicating that anodal tsDCS enhances the excitatory synaptic inputs to MNs in ALS mice. In conclusion, we suggest that chronic application of anodal tsDCS might be useful as a complementary method in the management of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Krutki
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Daniel Zytnicki
- Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences (SPPIN), Paris, France
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24
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Ardolino G, Bocci T, Nigro M, Vergari M, Di Fonzo A, Bonato S, Cogiamanian F, Cortese F, Cova I, Barbieri S, Priori A. Spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) in hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP): A sham-controlled crossover study. J Spinal Cord Med 2021; 44:46-53. [PMID: 30508408 PMCID: PMC7919872 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1543926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) represents a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive spasticity and lower limb weakness. We assessed the effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) in HSP.Design: A double-blind, randomized, crossover and sham-controlled study.Setting: Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan.Participants: eleven patients with HSP (six men, mean age ± SD: 37.3 ± 8.1 years), eight affected by spastin/SPG4,1 by atlastin1/SPG3a, 1 by paraplegin/SPG7 and 1 by ZFYVE26/SPG15.Interventions: tsDCS (anodal or sham, 2.0 mA, 20', five days) delivered over the thoracic spinal cord (T10-T12).Outcome measures: Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), the H-reflex (Hr), F-waves, the Ashworth scale for clinical spasticity, the Five Minutes Walking test and the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) were assessed. Patients were evaluated before tsDCS (T0), at the end of the stimulation (T1), after one week (T2), one month (T3) and two months (T4).Results: The score of the Ashworth scale improved in the anodal compared with sham group, up to two months following the end of stimulation (T1, P = .0137; T4, P = .0244), whereas the Five Minutes Walking test and SPRS did not differ between the two groups. Among neurophysiological measures, both anodal and sham tsDCS left Hr, F-waves and MEPs unchanged over time.Conclusions: Anodal tsDCS significantly decreases spasticity and might be a complementary strategy for the treatment of spasticity in HSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Ardolino
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy,Section of Neurophysiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa University Medical School, Pisa, Italy,“Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experiental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan & ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Nigro
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vergari
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bonato
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Cogiamanian
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cova
- Clinical Center for Neurostimulation, Neurotechnology, and Movement Disorders, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Barbieri
- Neuropathophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy,Clinical Center for Neurostimulation, Neurotechnology, and Movement Disorders, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy,Correspondence to: Alberto Priori, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142Milan, Italy. mailto:
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25
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Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation shows no effect on paired stimulation suppression of the somatosensory cortex. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22010. [PMID: 33319846 PMCID: PMC7738485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79131-2] [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: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a safe and convenient method of neuromodulation. It has been proven to alter sensory processing at cervicomedullary level by amplitude changes of the P30 response of tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (TN SEPs). With knowledge that tsDCS affects cortical circuits, we hypothesized that tsDCS may also affect intracortical excitability of the somatosensory cortex assessed by paired stimulation suppression (PSS). Fourteen healthy men were included in this prospective, single-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study. Single (SS) and paired stimulation (PS) TN SEPs were recorded over the scalp before, immediately as well as 30 and 60 min after applying 15 min of tsDCS over the twelfth thoracic vertebra. Each volunteer underwent three independent and randomized sessions of either cathodal, anodal or sham stimulation. tsDCS showed no effect on peak-to-peak amplitudes or latencies of cortical P40-N50 response after SS. Furthermore, tsDCS failed to induce significant changes on amplitude ratios of PSS, thus showing no impact on intracortical excitability of the somatosensory cortex in healthy subjects. Further research is required to reveal the different mechanisms and to strengthen clinical use of this promising technique.
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26
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He Z, Liu Z, Zhao J, Elliott R, Zhang D. Improving emotion regulation of social exclusion in depression-prone individuals: a tDCS study targeting right VLPFC. Psychol Med 2020; 50:2768-2779. [PMID: 31615594 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719002915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence has indicated that right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (RVLPFC) is critical in down-regulating emotional responses to social exclusion, and that depression is accompanied by social emotional dysregulation associated with reduced lateral prefrontal engagement. This study used anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to examine whether stimulating RVLPFC could improve emotional down-regulation of social exclusion in individuals with high depressive mood (DM). METHODS A total of 96 high and 94 low DM individuals received active or sham tDCS while viewing social exclusion or individual negative pictures under no-reappraisal (passive viewing) and reappraisal conditions. Participants rate their negative emotional experience following the presentation of each image. Pupil diameter and visual fixation duration were also recorded during the task. RESULTS It was found that tDCS-activated RVLPFC induced a stronger regulation effect on social exclusion than individual negative emotions. The effect of tDCS on regulation of social exclusion was more pronounced in low v. high DM individuals. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the specific role of RVLPFC on social emotion regulation, which has implications for refining target areas for the treatment of social emotion dysregulation in depression. However the findings do not suggest that high DM individuals benefit from a single-tDCS session on the emotion regulation of social exclusion. Thus we suggest to use multiple tDCS sessions or transcranial magnetic stimulation to further explore the therapeutic proposal in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhong He
- College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Science, University of Manchester, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
| | - Zhenli Liu
- College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Science, University of Manchester, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
| | - Dandan Zhang
- College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen518060, China
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27
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Zucchella C, Mantovani E, De Icco R, Tassorelli C, Sandrini G, Tamburin S. Non-invasive Brain and Spinal Stimulation for Pain and Related Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:547069. [PMID: 33328843 PMCID: PMC7715002 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.547069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neuropathic and nociceptive pain frequently affect patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with a prevalence close to 90% and significant impact on general health and quality of life. Pharmacological strategies are widely used to treat pain in MS, but their effectiveness and side-effects are controversial. Among non-pharmacological treatments for pain, non-invasive brain and spinal stimulation (NIBSS) has shown promising preliminary results in MS. Objective: Systematic review to investigate the effect of NIBSS for the management of pain in MS. Methods: A literature search using Pubmed, Science Direct and Web of Science was conducted from databases inception to February 21, 2020 for studies assessing the analgesic effect of NIBSS on pain in MS. Results: A total of 279 records were title- and abstract-screened, nine were assessed for full text and included. The NIBSS techniques explored were transcranial direct current stimulation (N = 5), transcranial magnetic stimulation (N = 2), transcranial random noise stimulation (N =1), transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (N = 1). The targets were the primary motor cortex (M1; N = 4), the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC; N = 3), the spinal cord (N = 1), unspecified brain target (N = 1). The study designs were randomized (N = 7), open label (N = 1), single case report (N = 1). Despite the differences in study design, target and NIBSS technique that impeded a meta-analysis, all the studies converge in showing a significant improvement of pain after active NIBSS with less consistent effects on other symptoms of the pain-related cluster (depression, fatigue, cognition) and quality of life. Conclusions: Excitatory NIBSS over M1, left DLPFC and spinal cord appear to be the most effective protocols for pain in MS. Open questions include the use of neurophysiological or neuroimaging surrogate outcome measures, the stratification of patients according to the clinical profiles and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and the combination of NIBSS to pharmacological treatment, neurorehabilitation, or psychotherapy to improve the clinical effect. The duration of the effect to NIBSS and the feasibility and efficacy of telemedicine NIBSS protocols are other open key questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zucchella
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Pisano F, Caltagirone C, Incoccia C, Marangolo P. Spinal or cortical direct current stimulation: Which is the best? Evidence from apraxia of speech in post-stroke aphasia. Behav Brain Res 2020; 399:113019. [PMID: 33207242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To date, new advances in technology have already shown the effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation and, in particular, of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in enhancing language recovery in post-stroke aphasia. More recently, it has been suggested that the stimulation over the spinal cord improves the production of words associated to sensorimotor schemata, such as action verbs. Here, for the first time, we present evidence that transpinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) combined with a language training is efficacious for the recovery from speech apraxia, a motor speech disorder which might co-occur with aphasia. In a randomized-double blind experiment, ten aphasics underwent five days of tsDCS with concomitant treatment for their articulatory deficits in two different conditions: anodal and sham. In all patients, language measures were collected before (T0), at the end (T5) and one week after the end of treatment (F/U). Results showed that only after anodal tsDCS patients exhibited a better accuracy in repeating the treated items. Moreover, these effects persisted at F/U and generalized to other oral language tasks (i.e. picture description, noun and verb naming, word repetition and reading). A further analysis, which compared the tsDCS results with those collected in a matched group of patients who underwent the same language treatment but combined with tDCS, revealed no differences between the two groups. Given the persistency and severity of articulatory deficits in aphasia and the ease of use of tsDCS, we believe that spinal stimulation might result a new innovative approach for language rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pisano
- Department of Humanities studies - University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Marangolo
- Department of Humanities studies - University Federico II, Naples, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Bączyk M, Drzymała-Celichowska H, Mrówczyński W, Krutki P. Polarity-dependent adaptations of motoneuron electrophysiological properties after 5-wk transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:646-655. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00301.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation applied systematically for 5 wk evoked polarity-dependent adaptations in the electrophysiological properties of rat spinal motoneurons. After anodal polarization sessions, motoneurons became more excitable and could evoke higher maximum discharge frequencies during repetitive firing than motoneurons in the sham polarization group. However, no significant adaptive changes of motoneuron properties were observed after repeated cathodal polarization in comparison with the sham control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Hanna Drzymała-Celichowska
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Krutki
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
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30
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Altered cortical gray matter volume and functional connectivity after transcutaneous spinal cord direct current stimulation in idiopathic restless legs syndrome. Sleep Med 2020; 74:254-261. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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31
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Pacheco-Barrios K, Cardenas-Rojas A, Thibaut A, Costa B, Ferreira I, Caumo W, Fregni F. Methods and strategies of tDCS for the treatment of pain: current status and future directions. Expert Rev Med Devices 2020; 17:879-898. [PMID: 32845195 PMCID: PMC7674241 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2020.1816168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that has been widely studied for the treatment of chronic pain. It is considered a promising and safe alternative pain therapy. Different targets have been tested, each having their own particular mechanisms for modulating pain perception. AREAS COVERED We discuss the current state of the art of tDCS to manage pain and future strategies to optimize tDCS' effects. Current strategies include primary motor cortex tDCS, prefrontal tDCS and tDCS combined with behavioral interventions while future strategies, on the other hand, include high-intensity tDCS, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, cerebellar tDCS, home-based tDCS, and tDCS with extended number of sessions. EXPERT COMMENTARY It has been shown that the stimulation of the prefrontal and primary motor cortex is efficient for pain reduction while a few other new strategies, such as high-intensity tDCS and network-based tDCS, are believed to induce strong neuroplastic effects, although the underlying neural mechanisms still need to be fully uncovered. Hence, conventional tDCS approaches demonstrated promising effects to manage pain and new strategies are under development to enhance tDCS effects and make this approach more easily available by using, for instance, home-based devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud. Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandra Cardenas-Rojas
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Beatriz Costa
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isadora Ferreira
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Pain and Palliative Care Service at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Effect of transspinal direct current stimulation on afferent pain signalling in humans. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 77:163-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.04.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Awosika OO, Matthews S, Staggs EJ, Boyne P, Song X, Rizik BA, Sucharew HJ, Zhang C, Mungcal G, Moudgal R, Bhattacharya A, Dunning K, Woo D, Kissela BM. Backward locomotor treadmill training combined with transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation in stroke: a randomized pilot feasibility and safety study. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa045. [PMID: 32954299 PMCID: PMC7425394 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Walking impairment impacts nearly 66% of stroke survivors and is a rising cause of morbidity worldwide. Despite conventional post-stroke rehabilitative care, the majority of stroke survivors experience continued limitations in their walking speed, temporospatial dynamics and walking capacity. Hence, novel and comprehensive approaches are needed to improve the trajectory of walking recovery in stroke survivors. Herein, we test the safety, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two approaches for post-stroke walking recovery: backward locomotor treadmill training and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation. In this double-blinded study, 30 chronic stroke survivors (>6 months post-stroke) with mild-severe residual walking impairment underwent six 30-min sessions (three sessions/week) of backward locomotor treadmill training, with concurrent anodal (N = 19) or sham transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (N = 11) over the thoracolumbar spine, in a 2:1 stratified randomized fashion. The primary outcomes were: per cent participant completion, safety and tolerability of these two approaches. In addition, we collected data on training-related changes in overground walking speed, cadence, stride length (baseline, daily, 24-h post-intervention, 2 weeks post-intervention) and walking capacity (baseline, 24-h post-intervention, 2 weeks post-intervention), as secondary exploratory aims testing the preliminary efficacy of these interventions. Eighty-seven per cent (N = 26) of randomized participants completed the study protocol. The majority of the study attrition involved participants with severe baseline walking impairment. There were no serious adverse events in either the backward locomotor treadmill training or transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation approaches. Also, both groups experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in walking speed immediately post-intervention that persisted at the 2-week follow-up. However, in contrast to our working hypothesis, anodal-transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation did not enhance the degree of improvement in walking speed and capacity, relative to backward locomotor treadmill training + sham, in our sample. Backward locomotor treadmill training and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation are safe and feasible approaches for walking recovery in chronic stroke survivors. Definitive efficacy studies are needed to validate our findings on backward locomotor treadmill training-related changes in walking performance. The results raise interesting questions about mechanisms of locomotor learning in stroke, and well-powered transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation dosing studies are needed to understand better its potential role as a neuromodulatory adjunct for walking rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwole O Awosika
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Saira Matthews
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Emily J Staggs
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Pierce Boyne
- College of Allied Health and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Bridget A Rizik
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Heidi J Sucharew
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christina Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Gabrielle Mungcal
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Rohitha Moudgal
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Amit Bhattacharya
- Biomechanics-Ergonomics Research Laboratories, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati Medical College, USA
| | - Kari Dunning
- College of Allied Health and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Daniel Woo
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Brett M Kissela
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Morya E, Monte-Silva K, Bikson M, Esmaeilpour Z, Biazoli CE, Fonseca A, Bocci T, Farzan F, Chatterjee R, Hausdorff JM, da Silva Machado DG, Brunoni AR, Mezger E, Moscaleski LA, Pegado R, Sato JR, Caetano MS, Sá KN, Tanaka C, Li LM, Baptista AF, Okano AH. Beyond the target area: an integrative view of tDCS-induced motor cortex modulation in patients and athletes. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:141. [PMID: 31730494 PMCID: PMC6858746 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0581-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique used to modulate neural tissue. Neuromodulation apparently improves cognitive functions in several neurologic diseases treatment and sports performance. In this study, we present a comprehensive, integrative review of tDCS for motor rehabilitation and motor learning in healthy individuals, athletes and multiple neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions. We also report on neuromodulation mechanisms, main applications, current knowledge including areas such as language, embodied cognition, functional and social aspects, and future directions. We present the use and perspectives of new developments in tDCS technology, namely high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) which promises to overcome one of the main tDCS limitation (i.e., low focality) and its application for neurological disease, pain relief, and motor learning/rehabilitation. Finally, we provided information regarding the Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) in clinical applications, Cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) and its influence on motor learning, and TMS combined with electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to evaluate tDCS effects on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgard Morya
- Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN/CEPID-FAPESP), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kátia Monte-Silva
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação (NAPeN), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP)/Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID)/Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (EBMSP), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York of CUNY, New York, NY USA
| | - Zeinab Esmaeilpour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York of CUNY, New York, NY USA
| | - Claudinei Eduardo Biazoli
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
| | - Andre Fonseca
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN/CEPID-FAPESP), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, International Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Faranak Farzan
- School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia Canada
| | - Raaj Chatterjee
- School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia Canada
| | - Jeffrey M. Hausdorff
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Eva Mezger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Luciane Aparecida Moscaleski
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN/CEPID-FAPESP), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pegado
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - João Ricardo Sato
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
| | - Marcelo Salvador Caetano
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
| | - Kátia Nunes Sá
- Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação (NAPeN), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP)/Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID)/Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (EBMSP), Santo André, Brazil
- Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia Brazil
| | - Clarice Tanaka
- Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação (NAPeN), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP)/Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID)/Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (EBMSP), Santo André, Brazil
- Laboratório de Investigações Médicas-54, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Li Min Li
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN/CEPID-FAPESP), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abrahão Fontes Baptista
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN/CEPID-FAPESP), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação (NAPeN), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP)/Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID)/Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (EBMSP), Santo André, Brazil
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
- Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia Brazil
- Laboratório de Investigações Médicas-54, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Alexandre Hideki Okano
- Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN/CEPID-FAPESP), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação (NAPeN), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC)/Universidade de São Paulo (USP)/Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID)/Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (EBMSP), Santo André, Brazil
- Center of Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade, 3 - Anchieta, Bloco Delta – Sala 257, São Bernardo do Campo, SP CEP 09606-070 Brazil
- Graduate Program in Physical Education. State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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Restless legs syndrome: Clinical changes in nervous system excitability at the spinal cord level. Sleep Med Rev 2019; 47:9-17. [PMID: 31212170 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a complex multifactorial disorder whose aetiology has yet to be fully elucidated. Some of the features of RLS, such as processing of sensations and activation of movement, may result from a dysfunction in spinal processing giving rise to a state of spinal hyperexcitability. In the current article we review studies investigating spinal excitability in RLS patients looking specifically at electrophysiological studies of spinal activity, sensory evaluations, and spinal reflex studies. Increased spinal excitability has been shown in RLS patients based on the combined data from electrophysiological studies. Results from studies assessing sensory evaluations in RLS patients show enhanced spinal processing of nociceptive inputs possibly due to central sensitisation. However, not all sensory modalities demonstrate an increase in sensitivity. An increase in nervous system excitability would result in an increase in reflex responses in RLS patients however the data from reflex analyses in RLS patients has failed to consistently show this expected result. Overall changes to RLS spinal excitability have been demonstrated though these changes might be heterogeneous as not all afferent input appears to be affected in the same manner. There may be phase-dependent and modality-dependent alterations in spinal excitability suggesting that the theory of absolute spinal hyperexcitability in RLS patients' needs to be reconsidered.
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Awosika OO, Sandrini M, Volochayev R, Thompson RM, Fishman N, Wu T, Floeter MK, Hallett M, Cohen LG. Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation improves locomotor learning in healthy humans. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:628-634. [PMID: 30733143 PMCID: PMC7326485 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambulation is an essential aspect of daily living and is often impaired after brain and spinal cord injuries. Despite the implementation of standard neurorehabilitative care, locomotor recovery is often incomplete. OBJECTIVE In this randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, parallel design study, we aimed to determine if anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (anodal tsDCS) could improve training effects on locomotion compared to sham (sham tsDCS) in healthy subjects. METHODS 43 participants underwent a single backwards locomotion training (BLT) session on a reverse treadmill with concurrent anodal (n = 22) or sham (n = 21) tsDCS. The primary outcome measure was speed gain measured 24 h post-training. We hypothesized that anodal tsDCS + BLT would improve training effects on backward locomotor speed compared to sham tsDCS + BLT. A subset of participants (n = 31) returned for two additional training days of either anodal (n = 16) or sham (n = 15) tsDCS and underwent (n = 29) H-reflex testing immediately before, immediately after, and 30 min post-training over three consecutive days. RESULTS A single session of anodal tsDCS + BLT elicited greater speed gain at 24 h relative to sham tsDCS + BLT (p = 0.008, two-sample t-test, adjusted for one interim analysis after the initial 12 subjects). Anodal tsDCS + BLT resulted in higher retention of the acquired skill at day 30 relative to sham tsDCS + BLT (p = 0.002) in the absence of significant group differences in online or offline learning over the three training days (p = 0.467 and p = 0.131). BLT resulted in transient down-regulation of H-reflex amplitude (Hmax/Mmax) in both test groups (p < 0.0001). However, the concurrent application of anodal-tsDCS with BLT elicited a longer lasting effect than sham-tsDCS + BLT (p = 0.050). CONCLUSION tsDCS improved locomotor skill acquisition and retention in healthy subjects and prolonged the physiological exercise-mediated downregulation of excitability of the alpha motoneuron pool. These results suggest that this strategy is worth exploring in neurorehabilitation of locomotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwole O Awosika
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, NINDS, USA; Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA.
| | - Marco Sandrini
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, NINDS, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Rita Volochayev
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, NINDS, USA
| | - Ryan M Thompson
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, NINDS, USA
| | - Nathan Fishman
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, NINDS, USA
| | | | | | | | - Leonardo G Cohen
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, NINDS, USA
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Differential modulation of pressure pain threshold in response to transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation with physical activity level. Neurosci Lett 2019; 698:154-159. [PMID: 30654000 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.01.025] [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: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the interaction between physical activity level and responses to transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) as reflected in changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the lower extremity. Participants (n = 35, 15 males) consisted of physically active young adults. PPTs were determined at three sites (thigh, leg and foot) on the dominant leg before and after 20-min of anodal tsDCS applied at mid-thoracic level. Based on a questionnaire, participants were assigned to either a low-moderately active (n = 21) or highly active group (n = 14). At baseline, participants in the two activity groups exhibited comparable PPTs. After the intervention, PPTs were significantly elevated at all sites at 5-min and 30-min post-tsDCS. An interaction was found between activity groups and tsDCS-induced changes at the thigh site owing to a larger elevation in PPTs in the highly active group. These results corroborate previous findings regarding antalgic effects of tsDCS and point to the role of physical activity level as a potential factor susceptible to modulate responses to tsDCS interventions.
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Berra E, Bergamaschi R, De Icco R, Dagna C, Perrotta A, Rovaris M, Grasso MG, Anastasio MG, Pinardi G, Martello F, Tamburin S, Sandrini G, Tassorelli C. The Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Neuropathic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Neurophysiological Assessment. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:31. [PMID: 30809137 PMCID: PMC6379270 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Central neuropathic pain represents one of the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) and it seriously affects quality of life. Spinal mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain in MS. Converging evidence from animal models and neurophysiological and clinical studies in humans suggests a potential effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tc-DCS) on neuropathic pain. Spinal application of DCS, i.e., transcutaneous spinal DCS (ts-DCS), may modulate nociception through inhibition of spinal reflexes. Therefore, ts-DCS could represents an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for neuropathic pain in MS, a largely unexplored topic. This study is a pilot randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of ts-DCS on central neuropathic pain in MS patients. Methods: Thirty-three MS patients with central neuropathic pain were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups in a double-blind sham-controlled design: anodal ts-DCS group (n = 19, 10 daily 20-min sessions, 2 mA) or sham ts-DCS group (n = 14, 10 daily 20-min sessions, 0 mA). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated before ts-DCS treatment (T0), after 10 days of treatment (T1) and 1 month after the end of treatment (T2): neuropathic pain symptoms inventory (NPSI), Ashworth Scale (AS) for spasticity and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). A subgroup of patients treated with anodal ts-DCS (n = 12) and sham ts-DCS (n = 11) also underwent a parallel neurophysiological study of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) and the NWR temporal summation threshold (TST), two objective markers of pain processing at spinal level. Results: Anodal ts-DCS group showed a significant improvement in NPSI at T1, which persisted at T2, while we did not detect any significant change in AS and FSS. Sham ts-DCS group did not show any significant change in clinical scales. We observed a non-significant trend towards an inhibition of NWR responses in the anodal ts-DCS group at T1 and T2 when compared to baseline. Conclusions: Anodal ts-DCS seems to have an early and persisting (i.e., 1 month after treatment) clinical efficacy on central neuropathic pain in MS patients, probably through modulation of spinal nociception. Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier #NCT02331654.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Berra
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bergamaschi
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Dagna
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rovaris
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Grasso
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Rehabilitation Hospital Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Pinardi
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Martello
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Rehabilitation Hospital Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Bolzoni F, Esposti R, Jankowska E, Hammar I. Interactions Between Baclofen and DC-induced Plasticity of Afferent Fibers within the Spinal Cord. Neuroscience 2019; 404:119-129. [PMID: 30710669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the study were to compare effects of baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist commonly used as an antispastic drug, on direct current (DC) evoked long-lasting changes in the excitability of afferent fibers traversing the dorsal columns and their terminal branches in the spinal cord, and to examine whether baclofen interferes with the development and expression of these changes. The experiments were performed on deeply anesthetized rats by analyzing the effects of DC before, during and following baclofen administration. Muscle and skin afferent fibers within the dorsal columns were stimulated epidurally and changes in their excitability were investigated following epidural polarization by 1.0-1.1 μA subsequent to i.v. administration of baclofen. Epidural polarization increased the excitability of these fibers during post-polarization periods of at least 1 h. The facilitation was as potent as in preparations that were not pretreated with baclofen, indicating that the advantages of combining epidural polarization with epidural stimulation would not be endangered by pharmacological antispastic treatment with baclofen. In contrast, baclofen-reduced effects of intraspinal stimulation combined with intraspinal polarization (0.3 μA) of terminal axonal branches of the afferents within the dorsal horn or in motor nuclei, whether administered ionophoretically or intravenously. Effects of DC on monosynaptically evoked synaptic actions of these fibers (extracellular field potentials) were likewise reduced by baclofen. The study thus provides further evidence for differential effects of DC on afferent fibers in the dorsal columns and the preterminal branches of these fibers and their involvement in spinal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bolzoni
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Human Physiology Section of the DEPT, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano I-20133, Italy
| | - Roberto Esposti
- Human Physiology Section of the DEPT, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano I-20133, Italy
| | - Elzbieta Jankowska
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ingela Hammar
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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40
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Choi YA, Kim Y, Shin HI. Pilot study of feasibility and effect of anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation on chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2019; 57:461-470. [PMID: 30700853 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0244-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A single-blind crossover study. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate neuropathic pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) after the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). SETTING Outpatient Clinic of the Rehabilitation Department, Seoul National University Hospital. METHODS The effect of single sessions of both anodal and sham tsDCS (2 mA, 20 min) on chronic neuropathic pain in ten volunteers with complete motor cervical SCI was assessed. The active electrode was placed over the spinal process of the tenth thoracic vertebra and the reference electrode, at the top of the head. Pre- to post-tsDCS intervention changes in pain intensity (numeric rating scale, NRS), patient global assessment, and present pain intensity (PPI) were assessed before and after the tsDCS session (immediately post stimulation, and at 1 and 2 h post stimulation). RESULTS All participants underwent the stimulation procedure without dropout. Our results showed no significant pre- to post-treatment difference in pain intensity between the active and sham tsDCS groups. Only in the sham tsDCS stimulation, NRS and PPI scores were reduced after the stimulation session. Furthermore, in the mixed effect model analysis, the response in the second period appeared to be more favorable. CONCLUSION The results suggest that a single session of anodal tsDCS with the montage used in this study is feasible but does not have a significant analgesic effect in individuals with chronic cervical SCI. SPONSORSHIP The study was funded by Seoul National University Hospital (No. 0420160470) and Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Ah Choi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yale Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ik Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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The role of right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex on social emotional regulation in subclinical depression: An tDCS study. ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA SINICA 2019. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1041.2019.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hughes S, Grimsey S, Strutton PH. Primary Motor Cortex Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Temporal Summation of the Nociceptive Withdrawal Reflex in Healthy Subjects. PAIN MEDICINE 2018; 20:1156-1165. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pny200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Hughes
- The Nick Davey Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sybil Grimsey
- The Nick Davey Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul H Strutton
- The Nick Davey Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Lenoir C, Jankovski A, Mouraux A. Anodal Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) Selectively Inhibits the Synaptic Efficacy of Nociceptive Transmission at Spinal Cord Level. Neuroscience 2018; 393:150-163. [PMID: 30321585 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recently studies have aimed at developing transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) as a non-invasive technique to modulate spinal function in humans. Independent studies evaluating its after-effects on nociceptive or non-nociceptive somatosensory responses have reported comparable effects suggesting that tsDCS impairs axonal conduction of both the spino-thalamic and the medial lemniscus tracts. The present study aimed to better understand how tsDCS affects, in humans, the spinal transmission of nociceptive and non-nociceptive somatosensory inputs. We compared the after-effects of anodal low-thoracic, anodal cervical and sham tsDCS on the perception and brain responses elicited by laser stimuli selectively activating Aδ-thermonociceptors of the spinothalamic system and vibrotactile stimuli selectively activating low-threshold Aβ-mechanoreceptors of the lemniscal system, delivered to the hands and feet. Low-thoracic tsDCS selectively and significantly affected the LEP-N2 wave elicited by nociceptive stimulation of the lower limbs, without affecting the LEP-N2 wave elicited by nociceptive stimulation of the upper limbs, and without affecting the SEP-N2 wave elicited by vibrotactile stimulation of either limb. This selective and segmental effect indicates that the neuromodulatory after-effects of tsDCS cannot be explained by anodal blockade of axonal conduction and, instead, are most probably due to a segmental effect on the synaptic efficacy of the local processing and/or transmission of nociceptive inputs in the dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Lenoir
- Institute of Neuroscience (IONS) Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Aleksandar Jankovski
- Institute of Neuroscience (IONS) Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Neurosurgery, Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), CHU UCL Namur, Avenue Dr G. Therasse, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium.
| | - André Mouraux
- Institute of Neuroscience (IONS) Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium.
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Pereira M, Fernandes SR, Miranda PC, de Carvalho M. Neuromodulation of lower limb motor responses with transcutaneous lumbar spinal cord direct current stimulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2018; 129:1999-2009. [PMID: 30041145 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a promising technique to modulate spinal circuits. Combining clinical with modelling studies can improve effectiveness of tsDCS protocols. The aim of this study is to measure the effects of lumbar tsDCS on motor spinal responses and observe if these are consistent with the electric field (E-field) predicted from a computational model. METHODS The exploratory study design was double-blind crossover and randomized. tsDCS was delivered for 15 min (anodal, cathodal, sham) at L2 vertebra level (2.5 mA, 90 C/cm2) in 14 healthy subjects. F-wave, H-reflex, cortical silent period, motor evoked potential and sympathetic skin response were analyzed. Statistical methods were applied with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, a p < 0.05 was set as significant. A human volume conductor model was obtained from available databases. E-field distributions in the spinal grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were calculated. RESULTS No tsDCS effects were observed. E-field magnitude predicted in the lumbosacral spinal GM and WM was <0.15 V/m, insufficient to ensure neuromodulation, which is consistent with the absence of effects. CONCLUSION The tsDCS protocol applied did not change motor response to delivered stimulus, thus we observed no effect on motor spinal circuits. SIGNIFICANCE Future tsDCS protocols should be supported by computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Rita Fernandes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro C Miranda
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Hospital de Santa Maria - Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Does trans-spinal direct current stimulation modulate the Hoffmann reflexes of healthy individuals? A systematic review and meta-analysisc. Spinal Cord 2018; 56:1022-1031. [PMID: 29895879 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-018-0149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES To summarize the available evidence regarding the effects of trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on spinal monosynaptic circuit excitability in healthy individuals. SETTING Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Brazil. METHODS Abstract screening was performed independently by two authors for studies found in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and LILACS. If the authors were unable to agree, a third reviewer was consulted. Randomized clinical trials that reported monosynaptic reflex measures were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias, and information extracted about the spinal neurophysiological and stimulation protocols and their results. RESULTS The initial search identified 538 studies. After applying the inclusion criteria and excluding duplicates, seven crossover studies were included in the risk of bias assessment, and six studies in the meta-analyses. The meta-analysis results did not show any significant differences between anodal (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.09, 95% CI = -0.72 to 0.55, p = 0.79, I2 = 67%) or cathodal tsDCS (pooled SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = -0.07 to 0.63, p = 0.11, I2 = 0%) and sham tsDCS for Hoffmann reflex modulation. CONCLUSION tsDCS did not affect the Hoffmann reflex, as shown in six studies. However, these findings come from studies with selection, performance and detection bias, and further research is needed to examine the effect of this intervention.
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Albuquerque PL, Campêlo M, Mendonça T, Fontes LAM, Brito RDM, Monte-Silva K. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and trans-spinal direct current stimulation associated with treadmill exercise in spinal cord and cortical excitability of healthy subjects: A triple-blind, randomized and sham-controlled study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195276. [PMID: 29596524 PMCID: PMC5875883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over motor cortex and trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) modulate corticospinal circuits in healthy and injured subjects. However, their associated effects with physical exercise is still not defined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different settings of rTMS and tsDCS combined with treadmill exercise on spinal cord and cortical excitability of healthy subjects. We performed a triple blind, randomized, sham-controlled crossover study with 12 healthy volunteers who underwent single sessions of rTMS (1Hz, 20Hz and Sham) and tsDCS (anodal, cathodal and Sham) associated with 20 minutes of treadmill walking. Cortical excitability was assessed by motor evoked potential (MEP) and spinal cord excitability by the Hoffmann reflex (Hr), nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) and homosynaptic depression (HD). All measures were assessed before, immediately, 30 and 60 minutes after the experimental procedures. Our results demonstrated that anodal tsDCS/treadmill exercise reduced MEP's amplitude and NFR's area compared to sham condition, conversely, cathodal tsDCS/treadmill exercise increased NFR's area. High-frequency rTMS increased MEP's amplitude and NFR's area compared to sham condition. Anodal tsDCS/treadmill exercise and 20Hz rTMS/treadmill exercise reduced Hr amplitude up to 30 minutes after stimulation offset and no changes were observed in HD measures. We demonstrated that tsDCS and rTMS combined with treadmill exercise modulated cortical and spinal cord excitability through different mechanisms. tsDCS modulated spinal reflexes in a polarity-dependent way acting at local spinal circuits while rTMS probably promoted changes in the presynaptic inhibition of spinal motoneurons. In addition, the association of two neuromodulatory techniques induced long-lasting changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plínio Luna Albuquerque
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Physical Therapy, Centro Universitário Tabosa de Almeida, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mayara Campêlo
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Thyciane Mendonça
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Luís Augusto Mendes Fontes
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Mattos Brito
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Katia Monte-Silva
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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He Z, Lin Y, Xia L, Liu Z, Zhang D, Elliott R. Critical role of the right VLPFC in emotional regulation of social exclusion: a tDCS study. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 13:357-366. [PMID: 29618116 PMCID: PMC5928413 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is abundant evidence suggesting that the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC) plays an important role in down-regulating the emotional response to social exclusion. However, a causal relationship between rVLPFC function and explicit emotional regulation is not clear in the context of social exclusion. This study employed anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate rVLPFC while participants used emotional regulation to reappraise pictures of social exclusion. Forty-four participants were randomly assigned to an active tDCS group or a sham group. Both groups viewed social exclusion images under two conditions: in the no-reappraisal condition, participants were instructed to passively view social exclusion images; in the reappraisal condition, they reappraised the images to down-regulate negative emotional responses. Compared to sham stimulation, anodal tDCS over the rVLPFC resulted in less negative emotion ratings, and produced significantly smaller pupil diameter in the reappraisal, compared to no-reappraisal block. The tDCS also led to longer fixation durations to rejectees and shorter fixation durations to rejecters. Taken together, these findings suggest a causal role for rVLPFC in down-regulation of negative emotions produced by social exclusion. This study has implications for clinical interventions targeting emotional regulation deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhong He
- Department of Psychology, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.,Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Yiqin Lin
- Department of Psychology, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Lisheng Xia
- College of Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhenli Liu
- Department of Psychology, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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Fernandes SR, Salvador R, Wenger C, de Carvalho M, Miranda PC. Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation of the lumbar and sacral spinal cord: a modelling study. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:036008. [PMID: 29386408 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aaac38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to perform a computational study of the electric field (E-field) generated by transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) applied over the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal cord, in order to assess possible neuromodulatory effects on spinal cord circuitry related with lower limb functions. APPROACH A realistic volume conductor model of the human body consisting of 14 tissues was obtained from available databases. Rubber pad electrodes with a metallic connector and a conductive gel layer were modelled. The finite element (FE) method was used to calculate the E-field when a current of 2.5 mA was passed between two electrodes. The main characteristics of the E-field distributions in the spinal grey matter (spinal-GM) and spinal white matter (spinal-WM) were compared for seven montages, with the anode placed either over T10, T8 or L2 spinous processes (s.p.), and the cathode placed over right deltoid (rD), umbilicus (U) and right iliac crest (rIC) areas or T8 s.p. Anisotropic conductivity of spinal-WM and of a group of dorsal muscles near the vertebral column was considered. MAIN RESULTS The average E-field magnitude was predicted to be above 0.15 V m-1 in spinal cord regions located between the electrodes. L2-T8 and T8-rIC montages resulted in the highest E-field magnitudes in lumbar and sacral spinal segments (>0.30 V m-1). E-field longitudinal component is 3 to 6 times higher than the ventral-dorsal and right-left components in both the spinal-GM and WM. Anatomical features such as CSF narrowing due to vertebrae bony edges or disks intrusions in the spinal canal correlate with local maxima positions. SIGNIFICANCE Computational modelling studies can provide detailed information regarding the electric field in the spinal cord during tsDCS. They are important to guide the design of clinical tsDCS protocols that optimize stimulation of application-specific spinal targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Fernandes
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal. Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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Transspinal Direct Current Stimulation Produces Persistent Plasticity in Human Motor Pathways. Sci Rep 2018; 8:717. [PMID: 29335430 PMCID: PMC5768745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord is an integration center for descending, ascending, and segmental neural signals. Noninvasive transspinal stimulation may thus constitute an effective method for concomitant modulation of local and distal neural circuits. In this study, we established changes in cortical excitability and input/output function of corticospinal and spinal neural circuits before, at 0–15 and at 30–45 minutes after cathodal, anodal, and sham transspinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) to the thoracic region in healthy individuals. We found that intracortical inhibition was different among stimulation polarities, however remained unchanged over time. Intracortical facilitation increased after cathodal and anodal tsDCS delivered with subjects seated, and decreased after cathodal tsDCS delivered with subjects lying supine. Both cathodal and anodal tsDCS increased corticospinal excitability, yet facilitation was larger and persisted for 30 minutes post stimulation only when cathodal tsDCS was delivered with subjects lying supine. Spinal input/output reflex function was decreased by cathodal and not anodal tsDCS. These changes may be attributed to altered spontaneous neural activity and membrane potentials of corticomotoneuronal cells by tsDCS involving similar mechanisms to those mediating motor learning. Our findings indicate that thoracic tsDCS has the ability to concomitantly alter cortical, corticospinal, and spinal motor output in humans.
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Dongés SC, Bai S, Taylor JL. Concurrent electrical cervicomedullary stimulation and cervical transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation result in a stimulus interaction. Exp Physiol 2017; 102:1309-1320. [PMID: 28730695 DOI: 10.1113/ep086360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? We previously showed that the motor pathway is not modified after cervical transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) applied using anterior-posterior electrodes. Here, we examine the motor pathway during stimulation. What is the main finding and its importance? We show that electrically elicited muscle responses to cervicomedullary stimulation are modified during tsDCS, whereas magnetically elicited responses are not. Modelling reveals electrical field modifications during concurrent tsDCS and electrical cervicomedullary stimulation. Changes in muscle response probably result from electrical field modifications rather than physiological changes. Care should be taken when applying electrical stimuli simultaneously. Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) can modulate neuronal excitability within the human spinal cord; however, few studies have used tsDCS at a cervical level. This study aimed to characterize cervical tsDCS further by observing its acute effects on motor responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation and cervicomedullary stimulation. In both studies 1 and 2, participants (study 1, n = 8, four female; and study 2, n = 8, three female) received two periods of 10 min, 3 mA cervical tsDCS on the same day through electrodes placed in an anterior-posterior configuration over the neck; one period with the cathode posterior (c-tsDCS) and the other with the anode posterior (a-tsDCS). In study 1, electrically elicited cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials (eCMEPs) and transcranial magnetic stimulation-elicited motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured in biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis before, during and after each tsDCS period. In study 2, eCMEPs and magnetically elicited CMEPs (mCMEPs) were measured before, during and after each tsDCS period. For study 3, computational modelling was used to observe possible interactions of cervical tsDCS and electrical cervicomedullary stimulation. Studies 1 and 2 revealed that eCMEPs were larger during c-tsDCS and smaller during a-tsDCS compared with those elicited when tsDCS was off (P < 0.05), with no changes in MEPs or mCMEPs. Modelling revealed that eCMEP changes might result from modifications of the electrical field direction and magnitude when combined with cervical tsDCS. Bidirectional eCMEP changes are likely to be caused by an interaction between cervical tsDCS and electrical cervicomedullary stimulation; therefore, care should be taken when combining such electrical stimuli in close proximity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan C Dongés
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Siwei Bai
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Janet L Taylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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