Abstract
Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a neuromodulatory tool to prime motor function in several neurological disorders. Studies using tDCS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are limited. We investigated the safety, feasibility and effects of long-term tDCS in an individual with ALS. Methods: A 36-year-old male diagnosed with clinically definite ALS received 12 sessions each of anodal, sham, and cathodal tDCS. Outcome measures included disease progression (revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R)), clinical measures of endurance and mobility, and corticomotor excitability. Results: No adverse events or change in disease progression were noticed during the study. Small improvement in gait speed (15% increase) was noticed with anodal tDCS only. Conclusions: This case study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of long-term facilitatory and inhibitory tDCS on a single participant with ALS. This study serves as a guideline for implementing tDCS in future ALS trials.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 458-463 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Physiotherapy Theory and Practice |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 4 2019 |
Funding
We would like to acknowledge support from the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences Interdisciplinary Grant (SM).
Keywords
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- cortical excitability
- neurodegenerative disease
- transcranial direct current stimulation
- transcranial magnetic stimulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation