Acute outcomes of acupuncture and dry needling over peripheral acute fatigue in untrained healthy volunteers: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Peripheral acute fatigue (PAF) is defined as when the skeletal muscle is incapable of generating power. We aimed to investigate the acute effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and dry needling (DN) over PAF induced on the biceps brachii of untrained healthy volunteers. We conducted a randomized, single-blind controlled clinical trial. All volunteers (n = 45) underwent fatigue induction protocols repeated before and after treatment with TCA (TCA group; TCAg; n = 15), DN (DN group; DNg; n = 15), and rest (control group; Cg; n = 15). Assessments of PAF, skin temperature, and exercise time occur before and after each event: 1st fatigue induction (FI), treatment, and 2nd FI. We used repeated measures ANOVA adjusted with Bonferroni post hoc test to determine any change in tested variables (PAF-VAS, PAF-EMG, and skin temperature) at different time points compared to the baseline. Paired Samples t-test was used for the variable exercise times. All statistical tests considered' the significance level at p ≤ 0,05. There was no difference between groups in acute fatigue recovery (p = 0.19). All intragroup analyses were significant (p ≤ 0.05) and all volunteers show a reduction in fatigue perception after treatment (p ≤ 0,05), however, exercise time did not ameliorate after TCA or DN (p > 0.77). A single session of TCA and, DN can equally reduce fatigue, temperature, and exercise time over PAF induced on biceps brachii of untrained healthy volunteers.

Evidence-based umbrella review of non-invasive brain stimulation in anxiety disorders

Background and objectives Although several meta-analyses have suggested the efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) mainly in prefrontal brain areas to treat mental disorders, no synthetic approach has been performed for other psychiatric disorders rather than depression. The objective is to assess the available evidence of NIBS in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods An umbrella review (CRD42021239577) was performed only looking for reviews with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials using a source strategy MeSH keywords in MEDLINE through Pubmed by two independent researchers. The effects of different methods of NIBS in anxiety disorders were assessed using the PICO strategy. The methodological quality was evaluated using AMSTAR-2 and certainty of evidence using the GRADE-pro framework. Results From 136 screening meta-analyses, 16 from 14 studies were included in the final analysis. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) respond best to low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), while Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has the largest effect size at high frequency rTMS. Panic Disorder (PD) has no evidence for clinical use of NIBS. There were not identified meta-analyses about other anxiety disorders. In general, the included studies had good methodological quality, but low to moderate evidence for clinical recommendation. Conclusion Available evidence reveals NIBS as an effective and safe approach to treat GAD, PTSD and OCD with low recommendation level to clinical application. A great heterogeneity of studies indicates the necessity to develop new randomized clinical trials applying NIBS to treat those and other mental disorders. (AU)

Effects of mat Pilates on older adult women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world and its incidence is rising, and one of the most frequent causes of pain, loss of function and disability in adults. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Mat Pilates on health status, pain, stiffness, and functionality of older adult women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A randomized-controlled trial to preliminarily test an intervention protocol of Mat Pilates in older women with KOA on health status, pain, stiffness, and functionality. This study included 41 volunteers with age over 40 years, which mean was 52.1 ± 8.9 years, and were allocated into Mat Pilates and control groups. The protocol was developed to be performed in 60 min, twice a week; the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36 (SF-36) were used to assess pain, to evaluate functionality and stiffness. RESULTS: The Mat Pilates group significantly improved the functional capacity assessed by SF-36 (33.12 ± 22.03 to 69.37 ± 22.43, p < 0.05), and by WOMAC (29.75 ± 6.92 to 9.75 ± 9.35, p < 0.05). The pain domain also improved in Mat Pilates group assessed by SF-36 (39.50 ± 12.89 to 71.75 ± 18.66, p < 0.05) and by WOMAC (8.00 ± 2.56 to 2.75 ± 3.01, p < 0.05). The total score of WOMAC (41.75 ± 10.39 to 14.25 ± 13.88, p < 0.05), and the general health status assessed by SF-36 (59.44 ± 18.07 to 82.75 ± 12.03, p < 0.05) only improved for Mat Pilates group. No differences were observed in outcomes for the control group in both questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Our results show that Mat Pilates protocol can improve the health status, pain, and functionality of older women with KOA.

Classification of Parkinson's disease motor phenotype: a machine learning approach.

To assess the cortical activity in people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) with different motor phenotype (tremor-dominant-TD and postural instability and gait difficulty-PIGD) and to compare with controls. Twenty-four PwP (during OFF and ON medication) and twelve age-/sex-/handedness-matched healthy controls underwent electrophysiological assessment of spectral ratio analysis through electroencephalography (EEG) at resting state and during the hand movement. We performed a machine learning method with 35 attributes extracted from EEG. To verify the efficiency of the proposed phenotype-based EEG classification the random forest and random tree were tested (performed 30 times, using a tenfolds cross validation in Weka environment). The analyses based on phenotypes indicated a slowing down of cortical activity during OFF medication state in PwP. PD with TD phenotype presented this characteristic at resting and the individuals with PIGD presented during the hand movement. During the ON state, there is no difference between phenotypes at resting nor during the hand movement. PD phenotypes may influence spectral activity measured by EEG. Random forest machine learning provides a slightly more accurate, sensible and specific approach to distinguish different PD phenotypes. The phenotype of PD might be a clinical characteristic that could influence cortical activity.

Independent community walking after a short protocol of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation associated with body weight-support treadmill training in a patient with chronic spinal cord injury: a case report.

PURPOSE: Our report describes the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on independent gait recovery in a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 31-year-old male, household ambulator (aid walker) and community wheelchair user who was 8.5 year post traumatic iSCI (T8 vertebra injury, AIS D). INTERVENTION: The patient participated in 12 sessions (three times/week for four weeks) of rTMS (1800 pulses, 10 Hz, intensity of 90% resting motor threshold) followed by BWSTT (15-20 min, moderate intensity). OUTCOMES: After treatment, the patient's score increased 3 points on the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (walking independence) and he became a community ambulator with crutches. His American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) lower extremities motor score (motor function) increased from 33 to 45 points and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (functional independence) score increased from 23 to 29 for the mobility indoors/outdoors subscale. The patient's lower limb spasticity was reduced (Modified Ashworth Scale), and quality of life improved based on the Short-Form Health Survey - 36, and the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale showed considerable perception of improvement. CONCLUSION: Our report suggests that a short protocol of rTMS combined with BWSTT improved walking independence, motor function, spasticity, functional mobility and quality of life in this patient with iSCI.

Intrahemispheric EEG: A New Perspective for Quantitative EEG Assessment in Poststroke Individuals.

The ratio between slower and faster frequencies of brain activity may change after stroke. However, few studies have used quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) index of ratios between slower and faster frequencies such as the delta/alpha ratio (DAR) and the power ratio index (PRI; delta + theta/alpha + beta) for investigating the difference between the affected and unaffected hemisphere poststroke. Here, we proposed a new perspective for analyzing DAR and PRI within each hemisphere and investigated the motor impairment-related interhemispheric frequency oscillations. Forty-seven poststroke subjects and twelve healthy controls were included in the study. Severity of upper limb motor impairment was classified according to the Fugl-Meyer assessment in mild/moderate (n = 25) and severe (n = 22). The qEEG indexes (PRI and DAR) were computed for each hemisphere (intrahemispheric index) and for both hemispheres (cerebral index). Considering the cerebral index (DAR and PRI), our results showed a slowing in brain activity in poststroke patients when compared to healthy controls. Only the intrahemispheric PRI index was able to find significant interhemispheric differences of frequency oscillations. Despite being unable to detect interhemispheric differences, the DAR index seems to be more sensitive to detect motor impairment-related frequency oscillations. The intrahemispheric PRI index may provide insights into therapeutic approaches for interhemispheric asymmetry after stroke.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the modulation of cortical and spinal cord excitability in individuals with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been applied for modulating cortical excitability and treating spasticity in neurological lesions. However, it is unclear which rTMS frequency is most effective in modulating cortical and spinal excitability in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate electrophysiological and clinical repercussions of rTMS compared to sham stimulation when applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) in individuals with incomplete SCI. METHODS: A total of 11 subjects (35±12 years) underwent three experimental sessions of rTMS (10 Hz, 1 Hz and sham stimulation) in a randomized order at 90%intensity of the resting motor threshold and interspersed by a seven-day interval between sessions. The following outcome measures were evaluated: M1 and spinal cord excitability and spasticity in the moments before (baseline), immediately after (T0), 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes after rTMS. M1 excitability was obtained through the motor evoked potential (MEP); spinal cord excitability by the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) and homosynaptic depression (HD); and spasticity by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). RESULTS: A significant increase in cortical excitability was observed in subjects submitted to 10 Hz rTMS at the T0 moment when compared to sham stimulation (p = 0.008); this increase was also significant at T0 (p = 0.009), T30 (p = 0.005) and T60 (p = 0.005) moments when compared to the baseline condition. No significant differences were observed after the 10 Hz rTMS on spinal excitability or on spasticity. No inter-group differences were detected, or in the time after application of 1 Hz rTMS, or after sham stimulation for any of the assessed outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency rTMS applied to M1 was able to promote increased cortical excitability in individuals with incomplete SCI for at least 60 minutes; however, it did not modify spinal excitability or spasticity.

Gait speed and functional performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis / Velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional de idosas com osteoartrite de joelho

Abstract Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative and inflammatory disease that causes skeletal muscle dysfunction and induces limitation of functional activities, such as gait. Objective: To assess the relationship between gait speed and functional performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: 38 elderly women were divided into two groups: knee osteoarthritis group (KOAG) (n = 24, 68 ± 4.42) and control group (CG) (n = 14, 66.35 ± 3.54). Gait speed data was assessed through Qualisys system and functional performance through a checklist of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results: Comparing with CG (p < 0.05), KOAG patients had lower gait speed (p = 0.004) and worse functional performance in d4500 (walking short distances), d4501 (walking long distances), d4502 (walking on different surfaces), and d4503 (walking around obstacles) ICF categories. By associating gait speed and functional performance in KOAG, significant differences were found in the d4500 (p = 0.019) and d4501 (p = 0.035) categories, but none for either the d4502 (p = 0.511) or d4503 (p = 0.076) categories. Gait speed was negatively correlated with d4500 (rho = -0.585, p = 0.003), d4501 (rho= -0.552, p = 0.005), and d4502 (rho = -0,548, p = 0,006). Conclusion: Gait speed is related to functional performance in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis for the activities of walking short distances, walking long distances, and walking on different surfaces. However, it seems that gait speed is not related to walking around obstacles.

Resumo Introdução: A osteoartrite de joelho (OJ) é uma doença degenerativa e inflamatória que causa incapacidade musculoesquelética, acarretando limitação de atividades funcionais como a marcha. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional em idosas com OJ. Métodos: Trinta e oito idosas foram divididas em grupo com osteoartrite de joelho (GOAJ) (n = 24, 68 ± 4,42) e grupo controle (GC) (n = 14, 66,35 ± 3,54) e avaliadas quanto à velocidade da marcha, utilizando o sistema Qualisys, e quanto ao desempenho funcional através de um checklist da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). Resultados: GOAJ apresentou menor velocidade da marcha (p = 0,004) e pior desempenho funcional nas categorias da CIF d4500 (andar distâncias curtas), d4501 (andar distâncias longas), d4502 (andar em superfícies diferentes) e d4503 (andar contornando obstáculos) em comparação ao GC (p < 0,05). Ao associar velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional do GOAJ, encontrou-se diferenças nas categorias d4500 (p = 0,019) e d4501 (p = 0,035), mas não em relação às categorias d4502 (p = 0,511) e d4503 (p = 0,076). Velocidade da marcha correlacionou-se negativamente com d4500 (rho = - 0,585, p = 0,003), d4501 (rho = -0,552, p = 0,005) e d4502 (rho = -0,548, p = 0,006). Conclusão: Existe relação entre velocidade da marcha e desempenho funcional de idosas com OJ quanto às atividades de andar distâncias curtas e longas e sobre superfícies diferentes; no entanto, a velocidade da marcha parece não interferir na atividade de andar contornando obstáculos.

Baseline Motor Impairment Predicts Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Physical Therapy-Induced Improvement in Individuals with Chronic Stroke.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance the effect of conventional therapies in post-stroke neurorehabilitation. The ability to predict an individual's potential for tDCS-induced recovery may permit rehabilitation providers to make rational decisions about who will be a good candidate for tDCS therapy. We investigated the clinical and biological characteristics which might predict tDCS plus physical therapy effects on upper limb motor recovery in chronic stroke patients. A cohort of 80 chronic stroke individuals underwent ten to fifteen sessions of tDCS plus physical therapy. The sensorimotor function of the upper limb was assessed by means of the upper extremity section of the Fugl-Meyer scale (UE-FM), before and after treatment. A backward stepwise regression was used to assess the effect of age, sex, time since stroke, brain lesion side, and basal level of motor function on UE-FM improvement after treatment. Following the intervention, UE-FM significantly improved (p < 0.05), and the magnitude of the change was clinically important (mean 6.2 points, 95% CI: 5.2-7.4). The baseline level of UE-FM was the only significant predictor (R 2 = 0.90, F (1, 76) = 682.80, p < 0.001) of tDCS response. These findings may help to guide clinical decisions according to the profile of each patient. Future studies should investigate whether stroke severity affects the effectiveness of tDCS combined with physical therapy.

Interhemispheric asymmetry of the motor cortex excitability in stroke: relationship with sensory-motor impairment and injury chronicity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the interhemispheric asymmetry of the motor cortex excitability of chronic stroke patients with healthy and to observe if the magnitude of this asymmetry is associated to sensory-motor impairment and stroke chronicity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed with chronic stroke and aged and sex-matched healthy individuals. The interhemispheric asymmetry index was calculated by the difference of rest motor threshold (rMT) of the brain hemispheres. The rMT was assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the cortical representation of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. To investigate the relationship of the asymmetry with sensory-motor impairment and injury chronicity, the stroke patients were grouped according to the level of sensory-motor impairment (mild/moderate, moderate/severe, and severe) and different chronicity stages (> 3-12, 13-24, 25-60, and > 60 months since stroke). RESULTS: Fifty-six chronic stroke and twenty-six healthy were included. We found higher interhemispheric asymmetry in stroke patients (mean, 27.1 ± 20.9) compared to healthy (mean, 4.9 ± 4.7). The asymmetry was higher in patients with moderate/severe (mean, 35.4 ± 20.4) and severe (mean, 32.9 ± 22.7) impairment. No difference was found between patients with mild/moderate impairment (mean, 15.5 ± 12.5) and healthy. There were no differences of the interhemispheric asymmetry between patients with different times since stroke (> 3-12, mean, 32 ± 18.1; > 13-24, mean, 20.7 ± 16.2; > 25-60, mean, 29.6 ± 18.1; > 60 months, mean, 25.9 ± 17.5). CONCLUSION: Stroke patients showed higher interhemispheric asymmetry of the motor cortex excitability when compared to healthy, and the magnitude of this asymmetry seems to be correlated with the severity of sensory-motor impairment, but not with stroke chronicity. SIGNIFICANCE: Higher interhemispheric asymmetry was found in stroke patients with greatest sensory-motor impairment.

Quantitative Electroencephalography Characteristics for Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Individualized treatment guided by biomarkers certainly will play a crucial role in the more effective treatment of various neurological diseases in the near future. Identifying the electroencephalographic biomarkers in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may help in the decision-making process of health professionals regarding the non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) protocols. OBJECTIVE: To summarize quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) characteristics of patients with PD with motor symptoms at rest or during movement to identify potential biomarker associated with motor impairment in PD. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS/BIREME, CINAHL/EBSCO, Web of Science, and CENTRAL, performed according to PRISMA-statement guidelines. Two independent authors searched for studies that reported qEEG data related to motor outcomes at rest or during movements in patients with PD and compared the data with control healthy group. The studies' methodological quality was examined using the Cochrane Handbook. Studies/sample characteristics, qEEG parameters/analyses, and the studies' results were summarized. Prospero-register: CRD42018085660. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (18 cross-sectional/one cross-over) with 312 PD patients and 277 controls, published between 1994-2018, were included for the qualitative analysis. In comparison to healthy controls, our findings suggest a slowing down of the cortical activity in patients with PD due to an increase of slower band waves activity and a decrease of fast band waves at resting and during complex movement execution mainly in the central and frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: Slowing down of cortical waves suggest excitatory NIBS for motor impairment in PD. However, qEEG biomarker for motor symptoms of PD cannot be established yet because the studies that related qEEG with motor outcomes presented methodological poor quality.

A single whole body vibration session influences quadriceps muscle strength, functional mobility and balance of elderly with osteopenia and/or osteoporosis? Pragmatic clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study verify the immediate effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on quadriceps muscle strength, functional mobility and balance in elderly patients with Osteopenia and/or Osteoporosis. METHODS: This was a randomized pragmatic clinical trial with 34 elderly (32 women) randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (EG; n = 17) who underwent low-frequency (16 Hz) WBV and the control group (CG; n = 17) who performed the walk. Outcome measures were: quadriceps muscle strength measured by a maximal repetition test (1RM); functional mobility assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and balance assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). RESULTS: In within-group interaction, a significant increase was observed in quadriceps muscle strength (EG:p = 0.047) and balance (EG: p = 0,012; CG: p = 0,007). In between-groups interaction, a significant difference was not observed. There was an increase in the muscular strength of the EG and in the balance in both groups. CONCLUSION: An WBV training session was able to alter the muscular strength of the LQ and the balance of the elderly with Osteopenia and/or Osteoporosis. It is suggested, however, that future studies involving larger sample number and/or populations should be developed to analyze the short-term effects of WBV.

Does trans-spinal direct current stimulation modulate the Hoffmann reflexes of healthy individuals? A systematic review and meta-analysisc.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the available evidence regarding the effects of trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on spinal monosynaptic circuit excitability in healthy individuals. SETTING: Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Brazil. METHODS: Abstract screening was performed independently by two authors for studies found in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and LILACS. If the authors were unable to agree, a third reviewer was consulted. Randomized clinical trials that reported monosynaptic reflex measures were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias, and information extracted about the spinal neurophysiological and stimulation protocols and their results. RESULTS: The initial search identified 538 studies. After applying the inclusion criteria and excluding duplicates, seven crossover studies were included in the risk of bias assessment, and six studies in the meta-analyses. The meta-analysis results did not show any significant differences between anodal (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.09, 95% CI = -0.72 to 0.55, p = 0.79, I2 = 67%) or cathodal tsDCS (pooled SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = -0.07 to 0.63, p = 0.11, I2 = 0%) and sham tsDCS for Hoffmann reflex modulation. CONCLUSION: tsDCS did not affect the Hoffmann reflex, as shown in six studies. However, these findings come from studies with selection, performance and detection bias, and further research is needed to examine the effect of this intervention.

Efeito da hidroterapia no condicionamento cardiovascular e na qualidade de vida de pacientes após acidente vascular encefálico / Effects of hydrotherapy on the endurance and quality of life in stroke survivors

Introdução: os efeitos do treinamento cardiovascular são potencializados quando realizados na piscina terapêutica devido às propriedades físicas da água. Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos de um protocolo de hidroterapia na qualidade de vida e no condicionamento cardiovascular de pacientes pós-AVE. Métodos: dez pacientes foram divididos nos grupos: controle (exposto ao protocolo de exercícios no solo) e experimental (submetidos a 10 sessões de hidroterapia). As medidas para frequência cardíaca e respiratória, o número de voltas, saturação de oxigênio durante o teste de caminhada de seis minutos e qualidade de vida segundo a escala EQVE-AVE, foram avaliadas antes e após o programa de atividades. Resultados: houve um aumento expressivo da quantidade de voltas [12,80 ± 2,78 (p=0,01) ] em ambos os grupos e dos escores para a qualidade de vida [196,20±42,92 (p=0,046) ] apenas no grupo experimental em relação a condição inicial. Conclusão: o protocolo de hidroterapia promoveu os mesmos efeitos do treinamento no solo sobre o condicionamento cardiovascular, no entanto, aumentou os escores para qualidade de vida. (AU)

Introduction: Cardiovascular training programs effects are extended when performed in the therapeutic pool due to physical properties of the water. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a hydrotherapy protocol on the quality of life and endurance in stroke survivors. Methods: ten stroke survivors were divided into two groups: control (exposed to a floor exercise protocol) and experimental (underwent to 10 sessions of hydrotherapy). Heart and respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were assessed during the six-minute walk test. Additionally, the number of turns and stroke specific quality of life scale (SS-QOL) were assessed before and after the exercise protocols. Results: there was a significant increase in the number of turns [12.80 ± 2.78 (p = 0.01)] in both groups and in the quality of life scores [196.20 ± 42.92 (p = 0.046)] only after hydrotherapy protocol when compared to the baseline condition. Conclusion: the hydrotherapy protocol promoted the same benefits of the floor exercise's protocol on the endurance, however, it increased the quality of life scores. (AU)

Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (ctDCS) Impairs Balance Control in Healthy Individuals.

The cerebellum plays an important role in the planning, initiation and stability of movements, as well as in postural control and balance. Modulation of neural regions underlying balance control may be a potential alternative to treat balance impairments in cerebellar patients. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive and safe tool capable to modulate cerebellar activity. We aim to investigate the effects of cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) on postural balance in healthy individuals. Fifteen healthy and right-handed subjects were submitted to three sessions of ctDCS (anodal, cathodal and sham), separated by at least 48 h. In each session, tests of static (right and left Athlete Single Leg tests) and dynamic balance (Limits of Stability test) were performed using the Biodex Balance System before and immediately after the ctDCS. The results revealed that cathodal ctDCS impaired static balance of healthy individuals, reflected in higher scores on overall stability index when compared to baseline for right (p = 0.034) and left (p = 0.01) Athlete Single Leg test. In addition, we found significant impairment for left Athlete Single Leg test in comparison to sham stimulation (p = 0.04). As far as we know, this is the first study that points changes on balance control after ctDCS in healthy individuals. This finding raises insights to further investigation about cerebellar modulation for neurological patients.

Transcranial direct current stimulation associated with gait training in Parkinson's disease: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cueing gait training (CGT) on functional mobility in patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD). METHODS: A pilot double-blind controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 22 patients with PD assigned to the experimental (anodal tDCS plus CGT) and control group (sham tDCS plus CGT). The primary outcome (functional mobility) was assessed by 10-m walk test, cadence, stride length, and Timed Up and Go test. Motor impairment, bradykinesia, balance, and quality of life were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were observed when assessing outcome data. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated similar gains in all outcome measures, except for the stride length. The number of participants who showed MCID was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The CGT provided many benefits to functional mobility, motor impairment, bradykinesia, balance, and quality of life. However, these effect magnitudes were not influenced by stimulation, but tDCS seems to prolong the effects of cueing therapy on functional mobility.

Efficacy of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation on Pain Control in Migraine Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on pain control in migraine patients. BACKGROUND: Recent studies have used NIBS as an abortive and prophylactic treatment for migraine; however, its efficacy regarding meaningful clinical effects remains to be critically analyzed. DESIGN: Systematic review of controlled clinical trials. METHODS: Searches were conducted in six databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS (via BIREME), CINAHL (via EBSCO), Scopus (via EBSCO), Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Two independent authors searched for randomized controlled clinical trials published through until January 2016 that involved the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in migraineurs. Studies which met the eligibility criteria were assessed and methodological quality was examined using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias. Information about pain intensity (primary outcome), migraine attacks, painkiller intake, and adverse effects were extracted. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the quantitative analysis with 153 migraine patients that received NIBS and 143 sham NIBS. In overall meta-analysis, we did not find significant results for pain intensity (SMD: -0.61; CI: -1.35 to 0.13; P = .11), for migraine attacks (SMD: -0.44; 95%; CI: -1.15 to 0.26; P = .22), and for painkiller intake (SMD: -0.57; 95% CI: -1.21 to 0.07; P = .08). However, subgroup analysis considering only tDCS effects have demonstrated a decrease for pain intensity (SMD: -0.91; 95% CI: -1.79 to -0.03; P = .04), migraine attacks (SMD: -0.75; 95% CI: -1.25 to -0.24; P = .004), and painkiller intake (SMD: -0.64; 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.07; P = .03). Subgroup analysis for TMS did not reveal significant effects for any outcome. CONCLUSION: Low or very low quality of evidence suggests that our primary outcome evaluation failed to find support for the superiority of NIBS over sham treatment. Although, subgroup analysis reveals that tDCS have moderate to high effects and could be a promising nonpharmacological alternative to pain control, mainly for painkiller intake reduction. However, there is a need for larger controlled trials with methodological rigor, which could increase the power of result inference.