In a recent study published at the University of São Paulo, researchers aimed to evaluate the ability of tDCS to improve balance in different populations by conducting a meta-analysis on existing literature. The researchers argued that although there were many studies done on the effect of tDCS on balance, the variety in methodology in the tDCS protocol and results makes it difficult to draw any clear cut conclusions about the effects of tDCS on balance.
After reviewing randomized tDCS clinical-trials studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists of retrieved articles published between 1998 and 2017—the reviewers found the two populations most benefited from tDCS to improve balance were either healthy young adults, or individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). The study also found that stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1) resulted in the most effective improvement in balance.
Implications of this study continue to show tDCS as a promising tool for improving balance in individuals. The study also mentions that cerebellar stimulation should also be further investigated due to unclear results from existing studies on cerebellar stimulation.
More more on this study, click the link below:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08990220.2019.1624517?journalCode=ismr20
