Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Learning a Novel Split-belt Treadmill Task: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Date
2020
Authors
Kumari, N
Taylor, D
Rashid, U
Vandal, AC
Smith, PF
Signal, N
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of repeated anodal cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) on learning a split-belt treadmill task. Thirty healthy individuals randomly received three consecutive sessions of active or sham anodal ctDCS during split-belt treadmill training. Motor performance and strides to steady-state performance were evaluated before (baseline), during (adaptation), and after (de-adaptation) the intervention. The outcomes were measured one week later to assess absolute learning and during the intervention to evaluate cumulative, consecutive, and session-specific effects. Data were analysed using linear mixed-effects regression models. During adaptation, there was no significant difference in absolute learning between the groups (p > 0.05). During de-adaptation, a significant difference in absolute learning between the groups (p = 0.03) indicated slower de-adaptation with anodal ctDCS. Pre-planned secondary analysis revealed that anodal ctDCS significantly reduced the cumulative (p = 0.01) and consecutive-session effect (p = 0.01) on immediate adaptation. There were significant cumulative (p = 0.02) and session-specific effects (p = 0.003) on immediate de-adaptation. Repeated anodal ctDCS does not enhance motor learning measured during adaptation to a split-belt treadmill task. However, it influences the maintenance of learnt walking patterns, suggesting that it may be beneficial in maintaining therapeutic effects.

Description
Keywords
Randomized controlled trials; Therapeutics
Source
Scientific Reports, 10 (1), 1-14.
Rights statement
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