Article

The aim of the study was to study the combined effects of transcranial
direct current stimulation (tDCS) and physical therapy on the walking ability of
patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The study used an
experimental, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: After
intervention, group 1 (only tDCS) demonstrated a significant increase in gait
speed by 0.13 to 0.14 m/sec (17.8%-19.2%) and an increase in step length by 5.9
to 6.1 cm (14.0%-14.5%), whereas group 2 (tDCS and physical therapy) revealed a
significant increase in gait speed by 0.10 to 0.13 m/sec (14.9%-19.4%) and step
length by 4.5 to 5.4 cm (10.6%-12.8%) and group 3 (sham tDCS and physical
therapy) showed a significant increase in gait speed by 0.09 to 0.14 m/sec
(13.0%-20.3%) and step length by 3.0 to 5.4 cm (6.8%-12.3%). All these results
lasted for at least 8 wks after intervention. Upon comparing the parameters of
gait among the three groups at every follow-up visit, no significant difference
was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Anodal tDCS or physical therapy could be used alone or
together as a combination treatment to improve the walking speed of patients with
Parkinson disease. The effects lasted for approximately 8 wks. The combination
treatment was not superior to the use of tDCS or physical therapy alone.

Langue : ANGLAIS