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Gurdiel-Álvarez F, González-Zamorano Y, Lerma-Lara S, Gómez-Soriano J, Sánchez-González JL, Fernández-Carnero J, Navarro-López V. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Effects on Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and Nociceptive Processing in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 14:9. [PMID: 38275514 PMCID: PMC10813344 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010009] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to determine the effect that different tDCS protocols have on pain processing in healthy people, assessed using quantitative sensory tests (QST) and evoked pain intensity. METHODS We systematically searched in EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, PEDro, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. Articles on tDCS on a healthy population and regarding QST, such as pressure pain thresholds (PPT), heat pain thresholds (HPT), cold pain threshold (CPT), or evoked pain intensity were selected. Quality was analyzed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and PEDro scale. RESULTS Twenty-six RCTs were included in the qualitative analysis and sixteen in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in PPTs between tDCS and sham, but differences were observed when applying tDCS over S1 in PPTs compared to sham. Significant differences in CPTs were observed between tDCS and sham over DLPFC and differences in pain intensity were observed between tDCS and sham over M1. Non-significant effects were found for the effects of tDCS on HPTs. CONCLUSION tDCS anodic over S1 stimulation increases PPTs, while a-tDCS over DLPFC affects CPTs. The HPTs with tDCS are worse. Finally, M1 a-tDCS seems to reduce evoked pain intensity in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Gurdiel-Álvarez
- International Doctorate School, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Alcorcón, Spain; (F.G.-Á.); (Y.G.-Z.)
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Pain, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECODOR), Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
| | - Yeray González-Zamorano
- International Doctorate School, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Alcorcón, Spain; (F.G.-Á.); (Y.G.-Z.)
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Pain, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECODOR), Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain;
- Brain Injury and Movement Disorders Neurorehabilitation Group (GINDAT), Institute of Life Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Sergio Lerma-Lara
- Department of Physical Therapy, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Julio Gómez-Soriano
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain;
| | - Juan Luis Sánchez-González
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Josué Fernández-Carnero
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Pain, and Rehabilitation Research Group (NECODOR), Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain;
- La Paz Hospital Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Musculoskeletal Pain and Motor Control Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Navarro-López
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain;
- Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, and Motor Control Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
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