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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Multiple Sclerosis | Review

Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation on balance and gait in patients with multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Authors: Rafael Nombela-Cabrera, Soraya Pérez-Nombela, Juan Avendaño-Coy, Natalia Comino-Suárez, Rubén Arroyo-Fernández, Julio Gómez-Soriano, Diego Serrano-Muñoz

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Motor impairments are very common in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Noninvasive brain stimulation could influence the motor function of patients.

Objective

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance and gait ability in patients with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, a secondary aim was to compare the influence of the stimulation location of tDCS on current effectiveness.

Methods

A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials published up to May 2023 comparing the application of tDCS versus a sham or control group. The primary outcome variables were balance and gait ability.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and ten were included in the quantitative analysis, which included 230 patients with multiple sclerosis. The average effect of tDCS on gait functionality was superior to that of the control group (SMD = -0.71; 95% CI, -1.05 to -0.37). However, the overall results of the tDCS vs. sham effect on static balance did not show significant differences between groups (MD = 1.26, 95% CI, -1.31 to 3.82). No significant differences were found when different locations of tDCS were compared.

Conclusions

These results reveal that tDCS is an effective treatment for improving gait ability with a low quality of evidence. However, the application of tDCS has no effect on static balance in patients with multiple sclerosis with very low quality of evidence. Similarly, there seems to be no difference regarding the stimulation area with tDCS.

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Title: Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation on balance and gait in patients with multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Rafael Nombela-Cabrera
Soraya Pérez-Nombela
Juan Avendaño-Coy
Natalia Comino-Suárez
Rubén Arroyo-Fernández
Julio Gómez-Soriano
Diego Serrano-Muñoz
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Multiple Sclerosis
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-023-01266-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation on balance and gait in patients with multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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