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Journal of Neurology
Published in: Journal of Neurology 12/2020

01-12-2020 | Motor Evoked Potential | Review

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on upper limb motor performance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review

Authors: Michael William Simpson, Margaret Mak

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 12/2020

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Abstract

Background and purpose

Parkinson’s disease (PD) reduces independence and quality of life through deterioration of upper limb motor function. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may offer an alternative, adjunctive therapy for PD. However, the efficacy of tDCS for upper limb motor rehabilitation in PD is unknown. In this systematic review, evidence is compiled regarding the effects of tDCS on upper limb motor function in PD.

Methods

Studies of tDCS applied to PD patients that assessed upper limb motor function, conducted between January 2000 and November 2018, were screened for inclusion via a systematic search of Medline, Cochrane, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science.

Results

Ten out of 606 studies were included and their findings synthesized into five categories regarding the effects of tDCS on: (1) Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor section (UPDRS III), (2) upper limb motor tasks, (3) manual dexterity, (4) reaction time, and (5) neurophysiology.

Conclusions

When applied to the primary motor cortex, tDCS may improve UPDRS III and the speed and force of movement. Considerable variation was found in tDCS parameters and further study is needed to clarify the long-term effects of tDCS on both simple and complex motor tasks and to compile relevant neurophysiological evidence.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on upper limb motor performance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review
Authors
Michael William Simpson
Margaret Mak
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Journal of Neurology / Issue 12/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-019-09385-y

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