tDCS over the temporal cortex to improve the functional capacity of children with cerebral palsy: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover pilot study

The anodic transcranial direct current stimulation over the left temporal cortex can promote greater tolerance to physical training. However, the effects associated with treadmill training in children with cerebral palsy have not been explored in the literature1. The aim of this study was investigate whether a session of anodic transcranial Direct current stimulation over the left temporal cortex during training on a treadmill has an effect on the functional capacity of children with cerebral palsy. Does tDCS over the temporal cortex improve the functional capacity of children with cerebral palsy? Cross-over, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study. 10 children underwent two intervention sessions: treadmill training combined with anodic transcranial direct current stimulation over the left temporal cortex and treadmill training combined with sham transcranial stimulation. The six-minute walk test was performed before and after each intervention session. Treadmill training combined with anodic transcranial direct current stimulation on the left temporal cortex resulted in better performance during the walking test, in the variables covered distance (Mean difference [MD]: 7.52 m, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28 to 12.78 m, p=0.002), respiratory rate (MD: -2.70, 95%CI: -4.34 to -1.06, p=0.006), heart rate (MD: -13.94, 95%CI: -18.36 to - 9.52, p<0.001) and perceived exertion (MD: -1.88, 95%CI: -2.43 to – 1.33), compared with placebo transcranial stimulation. The anodic transcranial direct current stimulation over the left temporal cortex resulted in better functional capacity after an intervention session in children with spastic cerebral palsy.