Pubblicazioni

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation May Improve Cognitive-Motor Function in Functionally Limited Older Adults

B, Manor; J, Zhou; R, Harrison; OY, Lo; TG, Travison; JM, Hausdorff; A, Pascual-Leone; L, Lipsitz

Abstract:

Objective. To determine the effects of a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention with the anode placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and cathode over the right supraorbital region, on cognition, mobility, and “dual-task” standing and walking in older adults with mild-to-moderate motor and cognitive impairments. Methods. A double-blinded, block-randomized, sham-controlled trial was conducted in 18 nondemented, ambulatory adults aged ⩾65 years with slow walking speed (⩽1.0 m/s) and “executive” dysfunction (Trail Making Test B score ⩽25th percentile of age- and education-matched norms). Interventions included ten 20-minute sessions of tDCS or sham stimulation. Cognition, mobility, and dual-task standing and walking were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 2 weeks thereafter. Dual tasking was also assessed immediately before and after the first tDCS session. Results. Intervention compliance was high (mean ± SD = 9.5 ± 1.1 sessions) and no unexpected or serious side effects were reported. tDCS, compared with sham, induced improvements in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score (P = .03) and specifically within the executive function subscore of this test (P = .002), and in several metrics of dual-task standing and walking (P < .05). Each of these effects persisted for 2 weeks. tDCS had no effect on the Timed Up-and-Go test of mobility or the Geriatric Depression Scale. Those participants who exhibited larger improvements in dual-task standing posture following the first tDCS session exhibited larger cognitive-motor improvements following 2 weeks of tDCS (P < .04). Interpretation. tDCS intervention designed to stimulate the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may improve executive function and dual tasking in older adults with functional limitations.

Patologie/Applicazioni:

• Riabilitazione cognitiva
• Riabilitazione motoria
• Stimolazione elettrica transcranica (TES)
• Double blind

Anno:

2018

Tipo di pubblicazione:

Articolo

Parola chiave:

stimolazione elettrica transcranica; neuromodulazione; riabilitazione cognitiva; Riabilitazione motoria; anziani; DLPFC

Testata scientifica:

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair

Nota:

Uno studio clinico in doppio cieco, randomizzato, è stato condotto in 18 adulti di età ⩾65 anni privi di demenza ma con deambulazione lenta ed alcune difficoltà di esecuzione di compiti. Gli interventi includevano dieci sessioni di 20 minuti di tDCS o stimolazione Sham fittizia. Un intervento con la tDCS per stimolare la corteccia prefrontale dorsolaterale sinistra può migliorare la funzione esecutiva e compiti multipli negli anziani con limitazioni funzionali.

DOI:

doi.org/10.1177/1545968318792616