Evaluation of synergistic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation with virtual reality assisted treadmill training for motor functions and quality of life of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury : A Randomized controlled trail

Background-Individuals with SCI possess significant challenges in motor function recovery. With those who able to achieve functional ambulation, they have impaired waking pattern, they tend to develop slow, inefficient unbalanced gait pattern with long cycle time and small strides. VR assisted treadmill training allows individual to correct their walking pattern through visual feedback. The training has been found effective in neurological population like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease etc. The growing body of research is emphasizing on the role of neuro-modulation including transcranial direct current simulation alone or in adjunct with other therapies. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise in various neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury (SCI). The application of tDCS involves delivering a low electrical current to specific areas of the brain through electrodes placed on the head. Recent evidence has explored the beneficial effects of transcranial stimulation on upper extremity functions and neuropathic pain among individuals with spinal cord injury. The application of transcranial direct current stimulation among spinal cord injury has shown mixed results for recovery of lower motor functions and ambulation. The available studies varies in session and location of the electrode placement. Moreover, there is dearth in literature that have combined innovative techniques.

Intervention: the 52 participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and sham group after baseline measurement . 20 minutes session for 15 times will be given and after 15 sessions post intervention measurements will be recorded.