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Lozano-Meca J, Montilla-Herrador J, Gacto-Sánchez M. The effects of combined transcranial direct Current stimulation with physiotherapy for physical function in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiother Theory Pract 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38818760 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2024.2360570] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) emerges as a promising therapeutic intervention for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), yet its impact on physical function remains insufficiently explored. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relative effects of tDCS for physical function in patients with KOA. METHODS Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Database were explored as of August 2023 to identify studies to be included in the current systematic review and metaanalysis. Randomized controlled trials in patients with KOA comparing tDCS with placebo were included. The outcomes defined were measures of physical function (questionnaires, gait, or physical performance). The Risk of Bias tool was used to assess bias in the randomized controlled trials, whereas the PEDro scale was applied for methodological quality, and the certainty of evidence for each outcome was assessed through GRADE. Results for each outcome were synthesized using meta-analysis (random-effects model, I2-test for heterogeneity) and a subgroup analysis was performed to improve the sensitivity of the results and to explore potential moderating factors of the effect sizes. RESULTS Ten studies with good to excellent quality were included, analyzing a total of 628 participants. Regarding physical function, tDCS showed a favorable effect (ES: -0.58; 95%CI -0.82, -0.33; I2: 52.1%) with a low risk of bias and low to moderate certainty of evidence. The concurrent application of physiotherapy interventions and tDCS improved the effects on pain and function. Applying physiotherapy interventions, as well as adding peripheral currents, increased the effect sizes (ES: -0.95, k = 3, p = .018; ES: -0.95, k = 4 p = .001, respectively). The pattern of application of the tDCS, either daily or in alternate days, did not moderate the effect size (p = .619). Meta-regression revealed that the number of tDCS sessions did not moderate the effect size either (p = .242). CONCLUSION The tDCS might be a promising therapeutic approach to enhance physical function in subjects affected with KOA. However, further systematic reviews with meta-analyses should be performed with standardized and proven-efficacy physiotherapy programs, as well as with long-term results, to ascertain whether the improvement may be sustained over time. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing tDCS interventions for enhanced outcomes in the management of KOA.Protocol available via PROSPERO [CRD42023440676].
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Affiliation(s)
- José Lozano-Meca
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), University of Murcia Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquina Montilla-Herrador
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), University of Murcia Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Mariano Gacto-Sánchez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), University of Murcia Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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Browne CJ, Sheeba SR, Astill T, Baily A, Deblieck C, Mucci V, Cavaleri R. Assessing the synergistic effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation and the vestibular ocular reflex rehabilitation protocol in the treatment of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. J Neurol 2024; 271:2615-2630. [PMID: 38345630 PMCID: PMC11055743 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12215-5] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare central vestibular disorder characterised by a constant sensation of motion (rocking, swaying, bobbing), which typically arises after motion experiences (e.g. sea, air, and road travel), though can be triggered by non-motion events. The current standard of care is non-specific medications and interventions that only result in mild-to-moderate improvements. The vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) rehabilitation protocol, a specialised form of rehabilitation, has shown promising results in reducing symptoms amongst people with MdDS. Accumulating evidence suggests that it may be possible to augment the effects of VOR rehabilitation via non-invasive brain stimulation protocols, such as theta burst stimulation (TBS). METHODS The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent TBS (iTBS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in enhancing the effectiveness of a subsequently delivered VOR rehabilitation protocol in people with MdDS. Participants were allocated randomly to receive either Sham (n = 10) or Active (n = 10) iTBS, followed by the VOR rehabilitation protocol. Subjective outcome measures (symptom ratings and mental health scores) were collected 1 week pre-treatment and for 16 weeks post-treatment. Posturography (objective outcome) was recorded each day of the treatment week. RESULTS Significant improvements in subjective and objective outcomes were reported across both treatment groups over time, but no between-group differences were observed. DISCUSSION These findings support the effectiveness of the VOR rehabilitation protocol in reducing MdDS symptoms. Further research into iTBS is required to elucidate whether the treatment has a role in the management of MdDS. TRN: ACTRN12619001519145 (Date registered: 04 November 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherylea J Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Laboratory, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Western Sydney University, Translational Health and Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - S R Sheeba
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Laboratory, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T Astill
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Laboratory, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Baily
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Deblieck
- Laboratory of Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace (LEIA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - V Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Cavaleri
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Laboratory, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Translational Health and Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Comino-Suárez N, Serrano-Muñoz D, Beltran-Alacreu H, Belda-Pérez P, Avendaño-Coy J. Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Pain Intensity and Functionality in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:428-438. [PMID: 38112570 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation is superior to control groups or other interventions for pain relief and improving functionality in knee osteoarthritis patients. METHODS PubMed, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to July 2022 to identify randomized clinical trials. The main outcomes were subjective perception of pain intensity measured either with the visual analog scale or with the numeric rating scale; and the functionality, assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. As secondary outcomes, pressure pain threshold, conditioned pain modulation, and its safety were evaluated. RESULTS We identified 10 randomized clinical trials (634 participants). The results showed an important effect favoring transcranial direct current stimulation for pain relief (mean difference = -1.1 cm, 95% confident interval = -2.1 to -0.2) and for improving functionality (standardized mean difference = -0.6, 95% confident interval = -1.02 to -0.26). There was also a significant improvement in pressure pain threshold (mean difference = 0.9 Kgf/cm 2 , 95% confident interval = 0.1 to 1.6). The certainty of evidence according to Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation was generally moderate. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation is a safe treatment for reducing pain intensity, improving functionality, and the pressure pain thresholds in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Comino-Suárez
- From the Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursery, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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Fernandes SM, Mendes AJ, Rodrigues PF, Conde A, Rocha M, Leite J. Efficacy and safety of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in memory deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease: Meta-analysis and systematic review. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100452. [PMID: 38444886 PMCID: PMC10914562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100452] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are two of the most used non-pharmacological interventions for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, most of the clinical trials have focused on evaluating the effects on global cognition and not on specific cognitive functions. Therefore, considering that memory loss is one of the hallmark symptoms of AD, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of tDCS and rTMS in memory deficits. For that, multilevel random effect models were performed considering the standardized mean difference (SMD) between active and sham stimulation. A total of 19 studies with 411 participants demonstrated positive effects in memory after tDCS (SMD=0.20, p = 0.04) and rTMS (SMD=0.44, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that tDCS had greater efficacy when administered in temporal regions (SMD=0.32, p = 0.04), whereas rTMS was superior when applied in frontal regions (SMD=0.61, p < 0.001). Therefore, depending on the brain region of stimulation, both interventions produced a positive effect on memory symptoms in AD patients. Finally, the safety of both techniques was observed in the AD population after the reporting of almost no serious events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Fernandes
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Augusto J. Mendes
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (LANVIE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Memory Center, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ana Conde
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Magda Rocha
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Leite
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Brain@Loop Lab
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Kong Q, Li T, Reddy S, Hodges S, Kong J. Brain stimulation targets for chronic pain: Insights from meta-analysis, functional connectivity and literature review. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00297. [PMID: 38237403 PMCID: PMC10903102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.007] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have demonstrated their potential for chronic pain management, yet their efficacy exhibits variability across studies. Refining stimulation targets and exploring additional targets offer a possible solution to this challenge. This study aimed to identify potential brain surface targets for NIBS in treating chronic pain disorders by integrating literature review, neuroimaging meta-analysis, and functional connectivity analysis on 90 chronic low back pain patients. Our results showed that the primary motor cortex (M1) (C3/C4, 10-20 EEG system) and prefrontal cortex (F3/F4/Fz) were the most used brain stimulation targets for chronic pain treatment according to the literature review. The bilateral precentral gyrus (M1), supplementary motor area, Rolandic operculum, and temporoparietal junction, were all identified as common potential NIBS targets through both a meta-analysis sourced from Neurosynth and functional connectivity analysis. This study presents a comprehensive summary of the current literature and refines the existing NIBS targets through a combination of imaging meta-analysis and functional connectivity analysis for chronic pain conditions. The derived coordinates (with integration of the international electroencephalography (EEG) 10/20 electrode placement system) within the above brain regions may further facilitate the localization of these targets for NIBS application. Our findings may have the potential to expand NIBS target selection beyond current clinical trials and improve chronic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sveta Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sierra Hodges
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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da Silva AAC, Gomes SRA, do Nascimento RM, Fonseca AK, Pegado R, Souza CG, Macedo LDB. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic low back pain in outpatient rehabilitation service in Brazil: double-blind randomised controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075373. [PMID: 38159941 PMCID: PMC10759071 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic low back pain may be associated with pathoanatomical, neurophysiological, physical, psychological and social factors; thus, treatments to reduce symptoms are important to improve the quality of life of this population. We aimed to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with Pilates-based exercises compared with sham stimulation on pain, quality of life and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial with participants, outcome assessor and statistician blinded. We will include 36 individuals with a history of non-specific chronic low back pain for more than 12 weeks and minimum pain intensity of 3 points on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Individuals will be randomised into two groups: (1) active tDCS combined with Pilates-based exercises and (2) sham tDCS combined with Pilates-based exercises. Three weekly sessions of the protocol will be provided for 4 weeks, and individuals will be submitted to three assessments: the first (T0) will be performed before the intervention protocol, the second (T1) immediately after the intervention protocol and the third (T2) will be a follow-up 1 month after the end of the intervention. We will assess pain, disability, central sensitisation, quality of life, pressure pain threshold, global impression of change, adverse events and medication use. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire will be used at T1 to assess pain and disability, respectively, as primary outcome measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial was prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov website and ethically approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (report number: 5.411.244) before data collection. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed medical journal and on institution websites. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05467566).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Pegado
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences. Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, UFRN, Natal, Brazil
| | - Clécio Gabriel Souza
- Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi, Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Science, UFRN, Santa Cruz, Brazil
| | - Liane de Brito Macedo
- Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi, Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation Science, UFRN, Santa Cruz, Brazil
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Marcos-Frutos D, López-Alonso V, Mera-González I, Sánchez-Molina JA, Colomer-Poveda D, Márquez G. Chronic Functional Adaptations Induced by the Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Exercise Programs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6724. [PMID: 37959190 PMCID: PMC10649950 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216724] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present systematic review aimed to determine the chronic effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise on motor function and performance outcomes. We performed a systematic literature review in the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only randomized control trials that measured the chronic effect of combining exercise (comprising gross motor tasks) with tDCS during at least five sessions and measured any type of motor function or performance outcome were included. A total of 22 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Only outcomes related to motor function or performance were collected. Studies were divided into three groups: (a) healthy population (n = 4), (b) neurological disorder population (n = 14), and (c) musculoskeletal disorder population (n = 4). The studies exhibited considerable variability in terms of tDCS protocols, exercise programs, and outcome measures. Chronic use of tDCS in combination with strength training does not enhance motor function in healthy adults. In neurological disorders, the results suggest no additive effect if the exercise program includes the movements pretending to be improved (i.e., tested). However, although evidence is scarce, tDCS may enhance exercise-induced adaptations in musculoskeletal conditions characterized by pain as a limiting factor of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David Colomer-Poveda
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, 15179 A Coruña, Spain; (D.M.-F.); (V.L.-A.); (I.M.-G.); (J.A.S.-M.)
| | - Gonzalo Márquez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, 15179 A Coruña, Spain; (D.M.-F.); (V.L.-A.); (I.M.-G.); (J.A.S.-M.)
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Zhang C, Chen X, Yin Y, Xie D, Luo J, Ai Y, Zhan W, Kan H, Zhang S, Jiang G, Hu X. Functional Alterations of the Basal Ganglia Are Associated with Voluntary Activation of the Core Stabilizing Muscles in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pain Res Manag 2023; 2023:2028379. [PMID: 37693681 PMCID: PMC10484657 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2028379] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Deficits in voluntary activation of the core stabilizing muscles are consistently observed in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP); however, the underlying neural mechanism remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed at testing the hypothesis that the impaired voluntary activation of core stabilizing muscles is associated with structural and functional alterations in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex in patients with CLBP. Methods We obtained structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from 53 patients with CLBP and 67 healthy controls and estimated the alterations in grey matter volume (GMV) and functional and effective connectivity (EC) of regions with altered GMV via whole brain analysis. The voluntary activation of the multifidus (MF) and transversus abdominis (TrA) was evaluated by ultrasound imaging in these patients. Results Compared with the HCs, they displayed a significant decrease in GMV in the bilateral thalamus and caudate nucleus, a significant increase in GMV in the left middle frontal gyrus, and increased resting-state functional connectivity between the right caudate nucleus and the bilateral precuneus (voxel-level p < 0.005, Gaussian random field-corrected p < 0.05). The patients also showed increased EC from the right caudate nucleus to the bilateral precuneus, which was significantly correlated with voluntary activation of the bilateral MF and TrA (all p < 0.050). Conclusions Grey matter alterations may be confined to regions responsible for perception, motor control, and emotion regulation in patients with CLBP. The interrupted EC from the basal ganglia to the default mode network might be involved in the impairment of voluntary activation of the core stabilizing muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjuan Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Dongfeng Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yinan Ai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Hongjun Kan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuxian Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Guihua Jiang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Xiquan Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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Nascimento RMD, Cavalcanti RL, Souza CG, Chaves G, Macedo LB. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with peripheral stimulation in chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Med Devices 2023; 20:121-140. [PMID: 35130800 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2022.2039623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The combination of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with peripheral stimulation may optimize their effects and bring positive results in treatment of people with chronic pain. AREAS COVERED A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials was performed to investigate the combination of tDCS with peripheral stimulation in adults with chronic pain. The primary outcome was pain intensity. Six studies were included in this review (sample of 228 participants), which investigated the combination of tDCS and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, peripheral electrical stimulation, breathing-controlled electrical stimulation and intramuscular electrical stimulation. The conditions studied were knee osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, chronic low back pain, and neurogenic pain of the arms. Pain intensity, measured by visual analog scale or numerical rating scale, was reduced in all included studies when at least one of the interventions was active, regardless they were combined or alone, with or without tDCS. However, meta-analysis showed superiority of tDCS used in combination with peripheral stimulation. EXPERT OPINION This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests positive effects of tDCS combined with peripheral stimulation in chronic pain conditions. However, the evidence of the primary outcome was classified as low quality due to the limited number of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clécio Gabriel Souza
- Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairí, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Santa Cruz, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Chaves
- Research and Development, Myant Inc. . Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liane Brito Macedo
- Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairí, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Santa Cruz, Brazil
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Agostinho M, Weissman Fogel I, Treister R. Time since onset might be of essence: A recommendation to assess the effects of combination of non-pharmacological neuromodulatory approaches at early stage since symptoms onset. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1115370. [PMID: 36793488 PMCID: PMC9923174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1115370] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade researchers began to assess the potential beneficial effects of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) combined with a behavioral task as a treatment approach for various medical conditions. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the motor cortex combined with another treatment approach has been assessed as analgesic treatment in neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain conditions, and was found to exert only modest pain relief. Our group results show that combined tDCS and mirror therapy dramatically reduced acute phantom limb pain intensity with long-lasting effects, potentially preventing pain chronification. A review of the scientific literature indicates that our approach differs from that of others: We applied the intervention at the acute stage of the disease, whereas other studies applied the intervention in patients whose disease had already been established. We suggest that the timing of administration of the combined intervention is critical. Unlike in patients with chronic painful condition, in which the maladaptive plasticity associated with pain chronification and chronicity is well-consolidated, early treatment at the acute pain stage may be more successful in counterbalancing the not-yet consolidated maladaptive plasticity. We encourage the research community to test our hypothesis, both in the treatment of pain, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Agostinho
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel,Centre for Interdisciplinary Health Research, CIIS, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Irit Weissman Fogel
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roi Treister
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel,*Correspondence: Roi Treister ✉
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Wandrey JD, Kastelik J, Fritzsche T, Denke C, Schäfer M, Tafelski S. Supplementing transcranial direct current stimulation to local infiltration series for refractory neuropathic craniocephalic pain: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1069434. [PMID: 36937523 PMCID: PMC10014889 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1069434] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Some patients with neuralgia of cranial nerves with otherwise therapy-refractory pain respond to invasive therapy with local anesthetics. Unfortunately, pain regularly relapses despite multimodal pain management. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may prolong pain response due to neuro-modulatory effects. Methods This controlled clinical pilot trial randomized patients to receive anodal, cathodal or sham-tDCS stimulation prior to local anesthetic infiltration. Pain attenuation, quality-of-life and side effects were assessed and compared with historic controls to estimate effects of tDCS stimulation setting. Results Altogether, 17 patients were randomized into three groups with different stimulation protocols. Relative reduction of pain intensity in per protocol treated patients were median 73%, 50% and 69% in anodal, cathodal and sham group, respectively (p = 0.726). Compared with a historic control group, a lower rate of responders with 50% reduction of pain intensity indicates probable placebo effects (OR 3.41 stimulation vs. non-stimulation setting, NNT 3.63). 76.9% (n = 10) of tDCS patients reported mild side-effects. Of all initially included 17 patients, 23.5% (n = 4) withdrew their study participation with highest proportion in the cathodal group (n = 3). A sample size calculation for a confirmatory trial revealed 120 patients using conservative estimations. Discussion This pilot trial does not support series of anodal tDCS as neuro-modulatory treatment to enhance pain alleviation of local anesthetic infiltration series. Notably, results may indicate placebo effects of tDCS settings. Feasibility of studies in this population was limited due to relevant drop-out rates. Anodal tDCS warrants further confirmation as neuro-modulatory pain treatment option.
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Gonçalves FDT, Pacheco-Barrios K, Rebello-Sanchez I, Castelo-Branco L, de Melo PS, Parente J, Cardenas-Rojas A, Firigato I, Pessotto AV, Imamura M, Simis M, Battistella L, Fregni F. Association of Mu opioid receptor (A118G) and BDNF (G196A) polymorphisms with rehabilitation-induced cortical inhibition and analgesic response in chronic osteoarthritis pain. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100330. [PMID: 36199368 PMCID: PMC9508345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/objective Chronic pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent cause of global disability. New biomarkers are needed to improve treatment allocation, and genetic polymorphisms are promising candidates. Method We aimed to assess the association of OPRM1 (A118G and C17T) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF [G196A]) polymorphisms with pain-related outcomes and motor cortex excitability metrics (measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation) in 113 knee OA patients with chronic pain. We performed adjusted multivariate regression analyses to compare carriers versus non-carriers in terms of clinical and neurophysiological characteristics at baseline, and treatment response (pain reduction and increased cortical inhibitory tonus) after rehabilitation. Results Compared to non-carriers, participants with polymorphisms on both OPRM1 (A118G) and BDNF (G196A) genes were less likely to improve pain after rehabilitation (85 and 72% fewer odds of improvement, respectively). Likewise, both carriers of OPRM1 polymorphisms (A118G and C17T) were also less likely to improve cortical inhibition (short intracortical inhibition [SICI], and intracortical facilitation [ICF], respectively). While pain and cortical inhibition improvement did not correlate in the total sample, the presence of OPRM1 (A118G) and BDNF (G196A) polymorphisms moderated this relationship. Conclusions These results underscore the promising role of combining genetic and neurophysiological markers to endotype the treatment response in this population.
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13
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Navarro-López V, Del-Valle-Gratacós M, Fernández-Vázquez D, Fernández-González P, Carratalá-Tejada M, Molina-Rueda F. Transcranial direct current stimulation in the management of phantom limb pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2022; 58:738-748. [PMID: 35758072 PMCID: PMC10019480 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.22.07439-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation is a frequent entity that conditions the life of those who suffer it. Current treatment methods are not sufficiently effective for PLP management. We aim to analyze the clinical application of transcranial direct current (tDCS) in people with amputation suffering from PLP. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The following databases were consulted in September 2021: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Web of Science, PEDro, SCOPUS and SciELO. Randomized controlled trials investigating the use of tDCS in people with amputation undergoing PLP were selected. Demographic data, type and cause of amputation, time since amputation, stimulation parameters, and outcomes were extracted. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Six articles were included in this review (seven studies were considered because one study performed two individual protocols). All included studies evaluated PLP; six evaluated the phantom limb sensations (PLS) and two evaluated the psychiatric disorders. In all included studies the intensity and frequency of PLP was reduced, in three PLS were reduced, and in none study psychiatric symptoms were modified. CONCLUSIONS Anodic tDCS over the contralateral M1 to the affected limb, with an intensity of 1-2 mA, for 15-20 minutes seems to significantly reduce PLP in people with amputation. Single-session treatment could modify PLP intensity for hours, and multi-session treatment could modify PLP for months. Limited evidence suggests that PLS and psychiatric disorders should be treated with different PLP electrode placements. Further studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up times are needed to establish the priority of tDCS application in the PLP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Navarro-López
- Motion Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomy and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM group), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- International Doctoral School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Diego Fernández-Vázquez
- Motion Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomy and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM group), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- International Doctoral School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Fernández-González
- Motion Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomy and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM group), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Carratalá-Tejada
- Motion Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomy and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM group), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain -
| | - Francisco Molina-Rueda
- Motion Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomy and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM group), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Abrantes AM, Garnaat SL, Stein MD, Uebelacker LA, Williams DM, Carpenter LL, Greenberg BD, Desaulniers J, Audet D. A pilot randomized clinical trial of tDCS for increasing exercise engagement in individuals with elevated depressive symptoms: Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 29:100972. [PMID: 36092972 PMCID: PMC9449741 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100972] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular exercise protects against overweight/obesity as well as numerous chronic diseases. Yet, less than half of Americans exercise sufficiently. Elevated levels of depressive symptoms have been identified as an important correlate of physical inactivity as well as poor adherence to exercise programs. Individuals with depression are less sensitive to rewards and demonstrate an attentional bias toward negative stimuli. These, and other features of depression, may place them at increased risk for effectively managing the affective experience of exercise. Lower baseline levels of activation of the left (vs right) frontal cortex, an area implicated in affect regulation, have also been found in depression, potentially pointing to this region as a potential target for intervening on affect regulation during exercise. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promise in impacting a variety of cognitive and affective processes in a large number of individuals, including people with depression. Some findings have suggested that tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), specifically, may improve emotion regulation. Transcranial direct current stimulation could theoretically be a novel and potentially promising approach to improving the affective experience of exercise, thereby increasing exercise adherence among individuals with depressive symptoms. Here we present the rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of a pilot randomized controlled trial of tDCS versus sham delivered 3x/week for 8 weeks in the context of supervised aerobic exercise (AE) program among 51 low-active individuals with elevated depressive symptoms (86.3% female; mean age = 49.5). Follow-up assessments were conducted at end of treatment, and three and six months after enrollment to examine changes in levels of objectively-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). If effective, this approach could have high public health impact on preventing obesity and chronic diseases among these at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Abrantes
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| | - Sarah L Garnaat
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Uebelacker
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| | - David M Williams
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, USA
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| | - Benjamin D Greenberg
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA.,VAMC, Providence, RI, USA
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15
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Zhao Q, Li H, Liu Y, Mei H, Guo L, Liu X, Tao X, Ma J. Non-invasive brain stimulation associated mirror therapy for upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Front Neurol 2022; 13:918956. [PMID: 35928134 PMCID: PMC9345505 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.918956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques and mirror therapy (MT) are promising rehabilitation measures for stroke. While the combination of MT and NIBS has been employed for post-stroke upper limb motor functional rehabilitation, its effectiveness has not been examined. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined MT and NIBS in the recovery of upper limb motor function in stroke patients. Methods The search was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP until December 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing MT or NIBS alone with the combination of NIBS and MT in improving upper extremity motor recovery after stroke were selected. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the mean differences (MD) or the standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with random-effect models. Subgroup analyses were also conducted according to the types of control group, the types of NIBS, stimulation timing and phase poststroke. Results A total of 12 articles, including 17 studies with 628 patients, were reviewed in the meta-analysis. In comparison with MT or NIBS alone, the combined group significantly improved body structure and function (MD = 5.97; 95% CI: 5.01–6.93; P < 0.05), activity levels (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI 0.61–1.02; P < 0.05). For cortical excitability, the motor evoked potential cortical latency (SMD = −1.05; 95% CI:−1.57–−0.52; P < 0.05) and the central motor conduction time (SMD=-1.31 95% CI:−2.02-−0.61; P < 0.05) of the combined group were significantly shortened. A non-significant homogeneous summary effect size was found for MEP amplitude (SMD = 0.47; 95%CI = −0.29 to 1.23; P = 0.23). Subgroup analysis showed that there is an interaction between the stimulation sequence and the combined treatment effect. Conclusion In this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, in comparison to the control groups, MT combined with NIBS promoted the recovery of upper extremity motor function after stroke, which was reflected in the analysis of body structure and function, activity levels, and cortical excitability. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022304455.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
- College of Nursing and Rehabilitation, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haonan Mei
- College of Nursing and Rehabilitation, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Liying Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
- College of Nursing and Rehabilitation, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xianying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaolin Tao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Jiang Ma
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16
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Furukawa R, Kaneta H, Tateno T. A Multielectrode Array-Based Recording System for Analyzing Ultrasound-Driven Neural Responses in Brain Slices in vitro. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:824142. [PMID: 35273476 PMCID: PMC8902160 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.824142] [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: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound stimulation is expected to be useful for transcranial local and deep stimulation of the brain, which is difficult to achieve using conventional electromagnetic stimulation methods. Previous ultrasound stimulation experiments have used various types of acute in vitro preparations, including hippocampus slices from rodents and Caenorhabditis elegans tissue. For in vivo preparations, researchers have used the cortices of rodents as targets for transcranial ultrasound stimulation. However, no previous studies have used in vitro ultrasound stimulation in rodent cortical slices to examine the mechanisms of ultrasound-driven central neural circuits. Here we demonstrate the optimal experimental conditions for an in vitro ultrasound stimulation system for measuring activity in brain slices using a multielectrode array substrate. We found that the peak amplitudes of the ultrasound-evoked cortical responses in the brain slices depend on the intensities and durations of the ultrasound stimulation parameters. Thus, our findings provide a new in vitro experimental setup that enables activation of a brain slice via ultrasound stimulation. Accordingly, our results indicate that choosing the appropriate ultrasound waveguide structure and stimulation parameters is important for producing the desired intensity distribution in a localized area within a brain slice. We expect that this experimental setup will facilitate future exploration of the mechanisms of ultrasound-driven neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Furukawa
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneta
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takashi Tateno
- Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takashi Tateno,
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17
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Zang Y, Zhang Y, Lai X, Yang Y, Guo J, Gu S, Zhu Y. Evidence Mapping Based on Systematic Reviews of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Motor Cortex for Neuropathic Pain. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:743846. [PMID: 35250506 PMCID: PMC8889530 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.743846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE There is vast published literature proposing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) technology on the motor cortex (M1) for the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP). Systematic reviews (SRs) focus on a specific problem and do not provide a comprehensive overview of a research area. This study aimed to summarize and analyze the evidence of rTMS on the M1 for NP treatment through a new synthesis method called evidence mapping. METHODS Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, and The Cochrane Library to identify the studies that summarized the effectiveness of rTMS for NP. The study type was restricted to SRs with or without meta-analysis. All literature published before January 23, 2021, was included. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted the data. The methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed by using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2). Data were extracted following a defined population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework from primary studies that included SRs. The same PICO was categorized into PICOs according to interventions [frequency, number of sessions (short: 1-5 sessions, medium: 5-10 sessions, and long: >10 sessions)] and compared. The evidence map was presented in tables and a bubble plot. RESULTS A total of 38 SRs met the eligibility criteria. After duplicate primary studies were removed, these reviews included 70 primary studies that met the scope of evidence mapping. According to the AMSTAR-2 assessment, the quality of the included SRs was critically low. Of these studies, 34 SRs scored "critically low" in terms of methodological quality, 2 SR scored "low," 1 SR scored "moderate," and 1 SR scored "high." CONCLUSION Evidence mapping is a useful methodology to provide a comprehensive and reliable overview of studies on rTMS for NP. Evidence mapping also shows that further investigations are necessary to highlight the optimal stimulation protocols and standardize all parameters to fill the evidence gaps of rTMS. Given that the methodological quality of most included SRs was "critically low," further investigations are advised to improve the methodological quality and the reporting process of SRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Zang
- Department of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongni Zhang
- School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xigui Lai
- Department of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiabao Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Gu
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Pain Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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18
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Ramos-Fresnedo A, Perez-Vega C, Domingo RA, Cheshire WP, Middlebrooks EH, Grewal SS. Motor Cortex Stimulation for Pain: A Narrative Review of Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:211-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2021.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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19
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Vlasov A, Feurra M, Djurdjevic V. Single gene polymorphisms as a predictor of noninvasive brain stimulation effectiveness (commentary on Pellegrini et al, 2021). Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:892-894. [PMID: 34981588 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Vlasov
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia.,Medical and Biological Research Laboratory, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health (FSBS IRIOH), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Matteo Feurra
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Djurdjevic
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia
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20
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Rebello-Sanchez I, Vasquez-Avila K, Parente J, Pacheco-Barrios K, De Melo PS, Teixeira PE, Jong K, Caumo W, Fregni F. Insights and Future Directions on the Combined Effects of Mind-Body Therapies with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: An Evidence-based Review. THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE 2022; 5:129-148. [PMID: 36583065 PMCID: PMC9797000 DOI: 10.4103/ijprm.jisprm-000167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mind-body therapies (MBTs) use mental abilities to modify electrical neural activity across brain networks. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates neuronal membrane potentials to enhance neuroplasticity. A combination of these treatment strategies may generate synergistic or additive effects, and thus has been more commonly tested in clinical trials, fostering a novel yet promising field of research. We conducted a literature search in four different databases including only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that tested the combination of MBTs with tDCS. Ten studies (n=461) were included. Combined protocols included meditation/mindfulness (8/10), biofeedback (1/10), and hypnosis (1/10). The RCTs were heterogeneous with regards to population, design, and types of outcomes. Based on the findings of this search, we provide here a content description, methodological and practical insights, and future directions for the field. We hope this review will provide future authors with information to facilitate the development of trials with improved protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Rebello-Sanchez
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Vasquez-Avila
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joao Parente
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA,Research Unit for the Generation and Synthesis of Evidence in Health, San Ignacio de Loyola University, Lima, Peru
| | - Paulo S. De Melo
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paulo E.P. Teixeira
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kian Jong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96-13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Camacho‐Conde JA, Gonzalez‐Bermudez MDR, Carretero‐Rey M, Khan ZU. Brain stimulation: a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological disorders. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:5-18. [PMID: 34859593 PMCID: PMC8673710 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain stimulation has become one of the most acceptable therapeutic approaches in recent years and a powerful tool in the remedy against neurological diseases. Brain stimulation is achieved through the application of electric currents using non-invasive as well as invasive techniques. Recent technological advancements have evolved into the development of precise devices with capacity to produce well-controlled and effective brain stimulation. Currently, most used non-invasive techniques are repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), whereas the most common invasive technique is deep brain stimulation (DBS). In last decade, application of these brain stimulation techniques has not only exploded but also expanded to wide variety of neurological disorders. Therefore, in the current review, we will provide an overview of the potential of both non-invasive (rTMS and tDCS) and invasive (DBS) brain stimulation techniques in the treatment of such brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Camacho‐Conde
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyCIMESUniversity of MalagaMalagaSpain
- Department of MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of MalagaMalagaSpain
| | | | - Marta Carretero‐Rey
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyCIMESUniversity of MalagaMalagaSpain
- Department of MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of MalagaMalagaSpain
| | - Zafar U. Khan
- Laboratory of NeurobiologyCIMESUniversity of MalagaMalagaSpain
- Department of MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of MalagaMalagaSpain
- CIBERNEDInstitute of Health Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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22
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Mitsutake T, Imura T, Hori T, Sakamoto M, Tanaka R. Effects of Combining Online Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Gait Training in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:782305. [PMID: 34955795 PMCID: PMC8708562 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.782305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive gait training may be effective for gait performance recovery after stroke; however, the timing of stimulation to obtain the best outcomes remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish evidence for changes in gait performance between online stimulation (tDCS and repetitive gait training simultaneously) and offline stimulation (gait training after tDCS). Methods: We comprehensively searched the electronic databases Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and included studies that combined cases of anodal tDCS with motor-related areas of the lower limbs and gait training. Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review, of which six were included in the meta-analysis. Result: The pooled effect estimate showed that anodal tDCS significantly improved the 10-m walking test (p = 0.04; I 2 = 0%) and 6-min walking test (p = 0.001; I 2 = 0%) in online stimulation compared to sham tDCS. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that simultaneous interventions may effectively improve walking ability. However, we cannot draw definitive conclusions because of the small sample size. More high-quality studies are needed on the effects of online stimulation, including various stimulation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Mitsutake
- Department of Physical Therapy, Fukuoka International University of Health and Welfare, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Imura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hiroshima Cosmopolitan University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomonari Hori
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukuyama Rehabilitation Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Maiko Sakamoto
- Education and Research Centre for Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Ryo Tanaka
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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23
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Gunduz ME, Pacheco-Barrios K, Bonin Pinto C, Duarte D, Vélez FGS, Gianlorenco ACL, Teixeira PEP, Giannoni-Luza S, Crandell D, Battistella LR, Simis M, Fregni F. Effects of Combined and Alone Transcranial Motor Cortex Stimulation and Mirror Therapy in Phantom Limb Pain: A Randomized Factorial Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 35:704-716. [PMID: 34060934 PMCID: PMC10042175 DOI: 10.1177/15459683211017509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a frequent complication in amputees, which is often refractory to treatments. We aim to assess in a factorial trial the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mirror therapy (MT) in patients with traumatic lower limb amputation; and whether the motor cortex plasticity changes drive these results. In this large randomized, blinded, 2-site, sham-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial, 112 participants with traumatic lower limb amputation were randomized into treatment groups. The interventions were active or covered MT for 4 weeks (20 sessions, 15 minutes each) combined with 2 weeks of either active or sham tDCS (10 sessions, 20 minutes each) applied to the contralateral primary motor cortex. The primary outcome was PLP changes on the visual analogue scale at the end of interventions (4 weeks). Motor cortex excitability and cortical mapping were assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We found no interaction between tDCS and MT groups (F = 1.90, P = .13). In the adjusted models, there was a main effect of active tDCS compared to sham tDCS (beta coefficient = -0.99, P = .04) on phantom pain. The overall effect size was 1.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.90, 1.47). No changes in depression and anxiety were found. TDCS intervention was associated with increased intracortical inhibition (coefficient = 0.96, P = .02) and facilitation (coefficient = 2.03, P = .03) as well as a posterolateral shift of the center of gravity in the affected hemisphere. MT induced no motor cortex plasticity changes assessed by TMS. These findings indicate that transcranial motor cortex stimulation might be an affordable and beneficial PLP treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Enes Gunduz
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Camila Bonin Pinto
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dante Duarte
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faddi Ghassan Saleh Vélez
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Carolyna Lepesteur Gianlorenco
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | - Paulo Eduardo Portes Teixeira
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefano Giannoni-Luza
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Crandell
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Felipe Fregni
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Prefrontal high definition cathodal tDCS modulates executive functions only when coupled with moderate aerobic exercise in healthy persons. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8457. [PMID: 33875729 PMCID: PMC8055664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87914-4] [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: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool to enhance cognitive performance. However, its effectiveness has not yet been unequivocally shown. Thus, here we tested whether coupling tDCS with a bout of aerobic exercise (AE) is more effective in modulating cognitive functions than tDCS or AE alone. One hundred twenty-two healthy participants were assigned to five randomized controlled crossover experiments. Two multimodal target experiments (EXP-4: anodal vs. sham tDCS during AE; EXP-5: cathodal vs. sham tDCS during AE) investigated whether anodal (a-tDCS) or cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS) applied during AE over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (left DLPFC) affects executive functioning (inhibition ability). In three unimodal control experiments, the participants were either stimulated (EXP-1: anodal vs. sham tDCS, EXP-2: cathodal vs. sham tDCS) or did AE (EXP-3: AE vs. active control). Participants performed an Eriksen flanker task during ergometer cycling at moderate intensity (in EXP. 3-5). Only c-tDCS during AE had a significant adverse effect on the inhibition task, with decreased accuracy. This outcome provides preliminary evidence that c-tDCS during AE over the left DLPFC might effectively modulate inhibition performance compared to c-tDCS alone. However, more systematic research is needed in the future.
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Borovskis J, Cavaleri R, Blackstock F, Summers SJ. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Accelerates The Onset of Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia: A Randomized Controlled Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 22:263-274. [PMID: 32927091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) describes acute reductions in pain that occur following exercise. Current evidence suggests that the magnitude of EIH is small-to-moderate at best, warranting exploration of novel avenues to bolster these effects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to relieve pain and represents a promising intervention that may enhance EIH. This study aimed to determine whether anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex (M1) can augment EIH in healthy individuals experiencing experimentally-induced musculoskeletal pain. Twenty-four healthy subjects attended 2 experimental sessions ("Day 0" and "Day 2"). On Day 0, subjects were injected with nerve growth factor into their right extensor carpi radialis brevis to induce persistent elbow pain. On Day 2, each subject received active or sham tDCS over M1 followed by an isometric grip exercise. Pain intensity, muscle soreness, sensitivity (pressure pain thresholds), and conditioned pain modulation were assessed prior to the nerve growth factor injection, on Day 2 before tDCS, immediately post-exercise, and 15 minutes post-exercise. Active tDCS expedited the onset of EIH, inducing immediate reductions in pain intensity that were not present until 15 minutes post-exercise in the sham group. However, active tDCS did not reduce muscle soreness or sensitivity when compared to sham tDCS. PERSPECTIVE: These findings suggest that active tDCS accelerates the onset of EIH in healthy individuals experiencing experimentally-induced pain. This may represent a promising means of enhancing adherence to exercise protocols. However, larger randomised controlled trials in persistent pain populations are required to confirm the clinical impact of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Borovskis
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Rocco Cavaleri
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | | | - Simon J Summers
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, ACT 2600, Australia.
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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: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [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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