Synergistic effect of combined transcranial direct current stimulation/constraint-induced movement therapy in children and young adults with hemiparesis: study protocol

• DOI: 10.1186/s12887-015-0498-1
• Publication Date: 2015-11-11T21:05:12Z
• Authors: Bernadette Gillick; Jeremiah Menk; Bryon Mueller; Gregg Meekins; Linda E. Krach; Timothy Feyma; Kyle Rudser
• Keywords: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Constraint-induced movement therapy; Hemiparesis; Brain stimulation; Stroke

Perinatal stroke occurs in more than 1 2,500 live births and resultant congenital hemiparesis necessitates investigation into interventions which may improve long-term function decreased burden of care beyond current therapies ( http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/data.html ). Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is recognized as an effective rehabilitation intervention. Transcranial direct stimulation adjunct treatment to CIMT potentiate neuroplastic responses motor function. The methodology a clinical trial children designed placebo-controlled, serial -session, non-invasive brain incorporating described here. primary hypotheses are 1) that no serious adverse events will occur receiving 2) the intervention group show significant improvements hand compared placebo control group.A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial. Twenty and/or young adults (ages 8-21) with hemiparesis, be enrolled. receive ten 2-hour sessions transcranial combined constraint-induced movement therapy sham CIMT. outcome measure safety assessment by physician evaluation, vital sign monitoring symptom reports. Additionally, evaluated using Assisting Hand Assessment, grip strength goals Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Neuroimaging confirm diagnoses, corticospinal tract integrity cortical activation. Motor excitability also examined magnetic techniques.Combining has potential each independently. Such benefit individual throughout their lifetime.Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02250092 Registered 18 September 2014.