Motor Learning and tDCS in Parkinson's Disease
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation
- Registration Number
- NCT04787406
- Lead Sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Brief Summary
The present study sought to examine the efficacy of single session transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the primary motor cortex in people with Parkinson's disease on sequential motor learning performance.
- Detailed Description
Parkinson's disease is characterised by deficits of motor control triggered by impaired basal ganglia function, such as bradykinesia and tremor. Beyond the visibly recognisable motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the ability to learn a sequence of movements is also compromised and poses a significant barrier to effective rehabilitation. In healthy individuals, transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the primary motor cortex during motor task practice has been shown to significantly improve motor learning compared to placebo conditions. The present study sought to examine the effect of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the primary motor cortex in people with Parkinson's disease on sequential motor learning performance. Participants learnt two finger tapping sequences, with task difficulty indexed by sequence length, and task consolidation further examined using a dual-task paradigm. Task related cortical haemodynamic activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 33
- Right-handed (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory; ≥50)
- Cognitively capable (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); ≥23)
- Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease severity (Hoehn and Yar disease stage 2-3)
- History of stroke
- Comorbidity
- Cephalic implants
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Cathodal tDCS Transcranial direct current stimulation Cathodal electrode (35 cm2 sponge electrode) placed over C3. Anodal electrode (35 cm2 sponge electrode) placed over the right supraorbital area. 20 minutes of stimulation at 2 mA with a 30-second phase-in and phase-out period. Anodal tDCS Transcranial direct current stimulation Anodal electrode (35 cm2 sponge electrode) placed over C3. Cathodal electrode (35 cm2 sponge electrode) placed over the right supraorbital area. 20 minutes of stimulation at 2 mA with a 30-second phase-in and phase-out period. Sham tDCS Transcranial direct current stimulation Anodal electrode (35 cm2 sponge electrode) placed over C3. Cathodal electrode (35 cm2 sponge electrode) placed over the right supraorbital area. Stimulation was phased in for 30 seconds up to 2 mA and then switched off. Stimulation was again phased in for 30 seconds following 20 minutes of no stimulation.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Change from baseline shape-counting error Two assessments: Baseline / pre-intervention, and immediately post-intervention The percentage of shape counting error during dual task assessments. Sequential finger tapping + visual shape counting task.
Change from baseline sequential finger tapping performance Two assessments: Baseline / pre-intervention, and immediately post-intervention A skill index reflecting the accuracy and speed of which participants perform a specified finger tapping sequence.
Change from baseline oxygenated haemoglobin response Two assessments: Baseline / pre-intervention, and immediately post-intervention Task related changes of oxygenated haemoglobin as measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
🇭🇰Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Hong Kong