原发性高血压合并无功能肾上腺意外瘤患者代谢综合征患病情况分析

目的：探讨原发性高血压合并无功能肾上腺意外瘤（NFAI）患者代谢综合征（MS）发生情况及其与皮质醇分泌水平的相关性。方法：复旦大学附属中山医院内分泌科2014年10月至2015年4月收治的原发性高血压合并NFAI患者56例（NFAI组）,原发性高血压肾上腺形态正常者58例（EH组）。收集身高、体质量、腹围、血压等体格检查参数;测定电解质,血脂谱,空腹及餐后2 h血糖水平,以及隔夜1 mg地塞米松试验（ONDST）后皮质醇水平。根据有无代谢综合征（MS）,分别将NFAI组和EH组患者分为MS组（MS组）和非MS组（NMS组）,比较各组ONDST后皮质醇水平。结果：NFAI组患者舒张压、体质指数（BMI）、腹围、餐后2 h 血糖、三酰甘油、ONDST后皮质醇水平高于EH组患者（P<0.05）。56例NFAI组患者中,22例（39.2%）合并MS,高于EH组患者（14例,24.1%,P<0.05）。NFAI组患者中,MS亚组患者ONDST后皮质醇水平高于NMS亚组患者（P<0.05）。随着NFAI组患者MS组分数量异常增加,ONDST后皮质醇水平逐渐升高。结论：原发性高血压合并NFAI患者MS患病率较高,其MS发生与ONDST后皮质醇水平相关。     

A preliminary investigation into adrenal responsiveness and outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction

Purpose

This study investigated the significance of baseline cortisol levels and adrenal response to corticotropin in shocked patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

A short corticotropin stimulation test was performed in 35 patients with cardiogenic shock after AMI by intravenously injecting of 250 μg of tetracosactrin (Synacthen). Blood samples were obtained at baseline (T0) before and at 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes after the test to determine plasma total cortisol (TC) and free cortisol concentrations. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality and its association with T0 TC and maximum response to corticotropin (maximum difference [Δ max] in cortisol levels between T0 and the highest value between T30 and T60).

Results

The in-hospital mortality was 37%, and the median time to death was 4 days (interquartile range, 3-9 days). There was some evidence of an increased mortality in patients with T0 TC concentrations greater than 34 μg/dL (P = .07). Maximum difference by itself was not an independent predictor of death. Patients with a T0 TC 34 μg/dL or less and Δ max greater than 9 μg/dL appeared to have the most favorable survival (91%) when compared with the other 2 groups: T0 34 μg/dL or less and Δ max 9 μg/dL or less or T0 34 μg/dL or higher and Δ max greater than 9 μg/dL (75%; P = .8) and T0 greater than 34 μg/dL and Δ max 9 μg/dL or less (60%; P = .02). Corticosteroid therapy was associated with an increased mortality (P = .03). There was a strong correlation between plasma TC and free cortisol (r = 0.85).

Conclusions

A high baseline plasma TC was associated with a trend toward increased mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock post-AMI. Patients with lower baseline TC, but with an inducible adrenal response, appeared to have a survival benefit. A prognostic system based on basal TC and Δ max similar to that described in septic shock appears feasible in this cohort. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with adverse outcomes. These findings require further validation in larger studies.     

The comorbidity of migraine and hypertension. A study in a tertiary care headache centre

Literature data concerning the comorbidity of migraine and hypertension are conflicting and lacking in consistency [1–4]. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of hypertension in a sample of migraineurs in comparison with a group of tensiontype headache (TTH) patients. Hypertension prevalence was more elevated in headache sufferers than in the general population. This finding might be due to a Berkson’s bias; in fact individuals seeking medical care often show a high rate of association between two medical conditions which may be independent in the general population [5]. The highest hypertension prevalence was found in patients with TTH, supporting the hypothesis that this type of headache might be based upon vascular mechanisms [6].     

The effect of balneotherapy on antioxidant, inflammatory, and metabolic indices in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension and obesity)—A randomised, controlled, follow-up study

Introduction

The primary objective of our study was to explore the changes of antioxidant, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters in obese and hypertension people patients during balneotherapy and to evaluate the safety of balneotherapy in these participants.

Methods

Following randomisation, 22 obese and 20 hypertensive patients underwent balneotherapy with thermal water of 38 °C temperature, in 15 sessions of 30 minutes. An additional 22 obese and 20 hypertensive patients served as controls. Antioxidant, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters were determined at baseline, as well as post-treatment and at the end of follow-up (at 15 weeks).

Results

As regards changes observed in hypertensive patients subjected to balneotherapy, differences could be detected between baseline and post-treatment albumin and haemoglobin A_1c levels only; however, these were no longer significant after 3 months. Although the difference between transferrin levels determined at the end of balneotherapy and 3 months later was significant, it remained within the physiological range, as well as it was accompanied by normal serum iron level and therefore, it was considered irrelevant. C-reactive protein levels of balneotherapy patients decreased significantly after treatment.In obese patients, haemoglobin A_1c level decreased after balneotherapy, but this difference was not observed either after 3 months. Similarly, both transferrin and C-reactive protein levels changed from baseline, but not between groups.

Conclusions

This study contributes important information regarding the safety of balneotherapy in hypertensive and obese diabetics by showing no alterations of antioxidant, inflammatory, or metabolic indices. The findings of this study confirm that balneotherapy is not contraindicated for hypertensive or obese patients.     

Temporal dynamics of alpha and beta rhythms in human SI and SII after galvanic median nerve stimulation. A MEG study

In this MEG study, we investigated cortical alpha/sigma and beta ERD/ERS induced by median nerve stimulation to extend previous evidence on different resonant and oscillatory behavior of SI and SII (NeuroImage 13 [2001] 662). Here, we tested whether simple somatosensory stimulation could induce a distinctive sequence of alpha/sigma and beta ERD/ERS over SII compared to SI. We found that for both alpha/sigma (around 10 Hz) and beta (around 20 Hz) rhythms, the latencies of ERD and ERS were larger in bilateral SII than in contralateral SI. In addition, the peak amplitude of alpha/sigma and beta ERS was smaller in bilateral SII than in contralateral SI. These results indicate a delayed and prolonged activation of SII responses, reflecting a protracted information elaboration possibly related to SII higher order role in the processing of somatosensory information. This temporal dynamics of alpha/sigma and beta rhythms may be related to a sequential activation scheme of SI and SII during the somatosensory information processes. Future studies should evaluate in SII the possible different functional significance of alpha/sigma with respect to beta rhythms during somatosensory processing.     

Changes in endoscopic features and histological findings of H. pylori-related gastritis with a follow-up over a year after eradication of H. pylori

This study reviews the cases of patients examined repeatedly by endoscopy with biopsies for over one year after eradication of H. pylori, measured according to the Sydney system. For 81 patients in whom H. pylori was successfully eradicated, the endoscopic features of edema, erythema, friability, exudate, erosion and rugal hypertrophy disappeared or diminished at 1-3 months after the therapy and endoscopic features of nodularity disappeared or diminished 12-15 months after the therapy. In these H. pylori-eradicated patients, the histological findings of inflammation and activity regressed 1-3 months after therapy, and atrophy and intestinal metaplasia regressed in 22(27%) and 28(35%) of the 81 patients examined 12-15 months after therapy. Regression of the atrophic pattern was observed in 38(47%) of these H. pylori-eradicated patients. In some H. pylori-eradicated patients, the regressions of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were observed over one year after H. pylori eradication therapy. Inflammation and activity in the histological findings were related to the endoscopic findings of edema, erythema, friability, exudate, erosion and rugal hypertrophy.     

COPD患者运动康复治疗前后系统性炎症反应的随访研究

目的探讨运动康复对稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者全身炎性反应的影响。方法选择经肺功能测定属于GOLDⅡ～Ⅲ级的确诊COPD病例15例,接受共48周强化及非强化运动训练。在试验前、第一次强化训练后及完成48周运动训练后测定患者相关全身炎性反应指标TNF-α、IL-8、IL-6和IL-10。结果①15例COPD患者全部完成48周运动康复训练;②COPD患者首次强化运动后与运动前比较,血清TNF-α、IL-8、IL-6、IL-10水平无显著变化(P值均>0.05)。③COPD患者经过48周系统运动训练后与运动前比较,血清TNF-α、IL-8水平下降,IL-10水平升高,差异有显著性统计学意义(P值均<0.05﹚;血清IL-6水平无显著变化(P>0.05)。结论①系统运动训练有助于改善COPD患者的全身炎症反应水平;②单次强化运动训练对稳定期中重度COPD患者全身炎症反应无显著影响。     

房室结折返性心动过速患者慢径改良术后的远期随访研究——附55例报告

目的:评价采用导管射频消融技术进行慢径改良治疗房室结折返性心动过速(atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia,AVNRT)的远期疗效和安全性.方法:随访55例应用导管射频消融技术行慢径改良术的术后AVNRT患者,随访时间为6～102(中位数36)个月.随访内容包括心电图和24小时动态心电图P-R间期、食管电生理检查房室结前传有效不应期、1∶1房室传导的最大频率、心动过速复发率、并发症发生率以及生活质量等.结果:有3例在1年内复发,复发率为6%(3/55),其中术后3个月内复发1例,术后6个月复发2例.第1度房室传导阻滞:经心电图证实为1例(2%),经动态心电图检测为6例(11%).第2度房室传导阻滞1例.术后房室结前传有效不应期延长,1∶1房室传导的最大频率减慢.85%的患者远期随访无不适主诉.结论:远期随访表明,应用导管射频消融技术行慢径改良术治疗AVNRT是安全、有效的,能提高患者的生活质量.     

Effects of home strength training and stretching versus stretching alone after lumbar disk surgery: a randomized study with a 1-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adherence to and effects of a 12-month combined strength and stretching home exercise regimen versus stretching alone, on patient outcome after lumbar disk surgery. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation and orthopedics at a Finnish hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=126) were randomized into either a combined strength training and stretching group (STG, n=65) or a control group (CG, n=61). INTERVENTION: The STG was instructed to perform strength training and both the STG and CG were instructed in the same stretching and stabilization exercises for 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain on the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry and the Million disability indexes, isometric and dynamic trunk muscle strength, mobility in the lumbar spine, and straight-leg raising were measured. RESULTS: The trial was completed by 71% and 77% of the patients from the STG and the CG, respectively. The mean strength training frequency decreased from 1.5 to 0.6 times a week in the STG during the intervention. The mean stretching frequency decreased from 3.7 to 1.6 times a week in both groups. Median back and leg pain varied between 17 and 23 mm (VAS), and the Million and Oswestry indices varied between 14 and 23 points 2 months postoperatively. No statistically significant changes took place in these outcome measures during the 12-month follow-up in both groups. The changes in isometric trunk extension favored the STG ( P =.016) during the first 2 months. However, during the whole 12-month training period, both dynamic and isometric back extension and flexion strength, as well as mobility of the spine and repetitive squat-test results, improved significantly in both groups, and no differences were found in any of the physical function parameters between the STG and CG. CONCLUSIONS: At the 12-month follow-up, no statistically significant changes were found in the physical function, pain, or disability measures between the groups. In the STG, training adherence with regard to training frequency and intensity remained too low to lead to specific training-induced adaptations in the neuromuscular system. Progressive loading, supervision of training, and psychosocial support is needed in long-term rehabilitation programs to maintain patient motivation.     

Osteogenesis imperfecta in childhood: impairment and disability. A prospective study with 4-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES: To study (1). changes in anthropometrics, joint range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, functional ability, caregiver assistance, and level of ambulation in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and (2). the prediction of clinical characteristics at the level of ambulation at follow-up and the prediction of clinical characteristics on progression or regression at the level of ambulation over time. DESIGN: Prospective study with follow-up of 4 years. SETTING: A children's hospital that serves a nationwide center for treatment and research in children with OI in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: At follow-up, 49 children (24 boys, 25 girls; mean age +/- standard deviation, 11.3+/-3.8y; range, 5.2-19.4y) participated. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometry, joint ROM, muscle strength, fracture frequency, intramedullary rodding, level of ambulation, functional ability, and caregiver assistance. RESULTS: In type I OI, total joint ROM decreased significantly over time, especially in the lower extremities, with a significant decrease in generalized joint hypermobility according to Bulbena (median start, 7.5; interquartile range [IQR], 4-9; median end, 6; IQR, 2-7; P<.001). In types III and IV, a severe decrease in total joint ROM was present without significant changes over time. No significant changes in total muscle strength (upper or lower extremities) in the different types of OI were measured at follow-up. In OI type I, a significant increase in self-care (P=.003) and social function (P=.008) was measured; in type III, a significant increase in self-care (P=.003), mobility (P=.004), and social function (P=.005) was measured, with a significant decrease in parental assistance in self-care (P=.02) and mobility (P=.005). In type IV, a significant increase was observed in the self-care (P=.01) and social function domains (P=.02). Type of OI (regression coefficient=-1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.64 to -0.47) and total muscle strength were the only significant predictors for level of ambulation (regression coefficient=.01; 95% CI,.17-.32). Body weight was significantly lower in the group that progressed in level of ambulation (P=.03), whereas children with a decline in level of ambulation had significantly higher body weight (P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ours is the first study with a long-term follow-up that provides information concerning the natural course of developmental outcome parameters of OI in childhood. Joint ROM and muscle strength did not change significantly over time, possibly because of the biomechanical skeletal properties of the different OI types. Functional ability improved significantly over time, but, especially in types III and IV, did not reach normative values, possibly because of a plateau phase in functional ability. Knowledge of the natural course of the disease is essential to interpret the results from intervention studies.     

Need assessment and quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia: a 5-year follow-up study

The present study is a 5-year follow-up of patients with schizophrenia who were in-patients for more than 3 months in 1993. In all, 19 patients fulfilled the criteria and were interviewed 6 months after their discharge. Seventeen of them also participated in a follow-up 5 years later. Their needs were independently rated by themselves and by their key workers according to the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN, research version 3.0). The interview with the patients also included quality of life assessed by the Quality of Life Scale (QLS-100). The results from CAN showed a difference when using a cut-off point for higher vs. lower problem at 10 needs. Using this cut-off point, five patients at the baseline and one at the follow-up had higher problems. The need ranking with key workers showed a correlation of rho = 0.68 at the baseline and rho = 0.74 at the follow-up. QLS-100 showed that the patient's total number of unsatisfied items were significantly higher (p = 0.01) at the baseline than at the follow-up. At the follow-up, full insight into their illness was shown by most of the patients. There are several possible explanations associated with the increased quality of life, e.g. less unsatisfied items among some patients and greater autonomy at the follow-up.     

The relationship between serum enzyme activity, infarct site, and cardiac complications after a first myocardial infarction. A follow-up study in general practice

The aim of the present study was to relate the clinical course in patients after a first acute myocardial infarction with the site and size of infarct, estimated from standard enzyme measurements. One hundred and eight consecutive patients who suffered an acute myocardial infarction for the first time were followed-up after 30 months in general practice. Twenty-six patients had died and 8 had had another infarction. Sixty-two of the surviving patients had received treatment for ischaemic heart disease, usually for angina pectoris and less often for heart failure and arrhythmias. No correlation was found between ischaemic heart disease requiring treatment and the enzyme-estimated size or the site of the infarct. With anterior infarcts there was, however, an overweight of arrhythmias requiring treatment. Of the patients at work, 31% had changed job or job status because of ischaemic heart disease. At the end of the 30 month period, 50 patients were in functional class 1 and 2, and 32 in functional class 3 and 4 (New York Heart Association's classification).     

评价R-CHOP方案对初治弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者的有效性、安全性及预后的影响:一项回顾性多中心长期随访研究

目的 观察R-CHOP方案对初治弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)患者的有效性、安全性及长期预后的影响,并与CHOP方案作比较.方法 2000年1月1日至2010年5月1日507例初发DLBCL患者进入本研究,分为CHOP及R-CHOP两组.CHOP组接受6个疗程CHOP方案,R-CHOP组患者接受至少4个疗程R-CHOP方案化疗,之后两个疗程采用R-CHOP方案或CHOP方案治疗.利妥昔单抗剂量为375 mg/m2,CHOP方案:环磷酰胺750 mg/m2、阿霉素50 mg/m2、长春新碱1.4 mg/m2(最大剂量2.0 mg/m2)、泼尼松60～100 mg.结果 411例可分析病例中,CHOP组224例,其中完全反应(CR)160例(71.43%),总有效率(ORR)为87.95%;R-CHOP组187例,其中CR 144例(77.01%),ORR为95.19%.R-CHOP组较CHOP组的ORR显著提高(P=0.007).CHOP组中位随访时间35.2个月,R-CHOP组中位随访时间28.1个月,随访至终点时,CHOP组预期中位无进展生存(PFS)时间84.8个月,R-CHOP组尚未达到中位PFS,两组均未达到中位总生存(OS)时问.采用Kaplan-Meier法进行生存分析,两组患者的PFS及OS间差异有统计学意义(P值均<0.05).R-CHOP组不良反应与CHOP组类似.结论 利妥昔单抗联合CHOP方案可有效用于初治DLBCL,具有更高的缓解率,延长PFS时间和提高OS率,同时未明显增加不良反应.     

Stability of return to work after a coordinated and tailored intervention for sickness absence compensation beneficiaries with mental health problems: results of a two-year follow-up study

Abstract

Purpose: Mental health problems (MHPs) are increasingly common as reasons for long-term sickness absence. However, the knowledge of how to promote a stable return to work (RTW) after sickness absence due to MHPs is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a multidisciplinary, coordinated and tailored RTW-intervention in terms of stability of RTW, cumulative sickness absence and labour market status after 2 years among sickness absence compensation beneficiaries with MHPs. Methods: In a quasi-randomised, controlled trial, we followed recipients of the intervention (n?=?88) and of conventional case management (n?=?80) for 2 years to compare their risk of recurrent sickness absence and unemployment after RTW, their cumulative sickness absence and their labour market status after 2 years. Results: We found no statistically significant intervention effect in terms of the risk of recurrent sickness absence or unemployment. Intervention recipients had more cumulated sickness absence in year one (mean difference?=?58 days; p?<?0.01) and year two (mean difference?=?36 days; p?=?0.03), and fewer were self-supported at the end of follow-up (52% versus 69%; p?=?0.02). Conclusion: The intervention showed no benefits in terms of improved stability of RTW, reduced sickness absence or improved labour market status after 2 years when compared to conventional case management.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Evidence for effective return-to-work (RTW) interventions for people with mental health problems is limited, as most research to date has been done in the context of musculoskeletal disorders.

• A complex, multidisciplinary intervention, detached from the workplace, does not appear to improve the stability of RTW and may actually lead to more sickness absence days and less self-support when compared to conventional case management of sickness absence beneficiaries in Denmark.

• A stronger focus on cooperation with social insurance officers and employers may produce better results.

     

Improved performance in activities of daily living and mobility after a multidisciplinary postoperative rehabilitation in older people with femoral neck fracture: a randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short- and long-term effects of a multidisciplinary postoperative rehabilitation programme in patients with femoral neck fracture. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A randomized controlled trial in patients (n = 199) with femoral neck fracture, aged >or= 70 years. METHODS: The primary outcomes were: living conditions, walking ability and activities of daily living performance on discharge, 4 and 12 months postoperatively. The intervention consisted of staff education, individualized care planning and rehabilitation, active prevention, detection and treatment of postoperative complications. The staff worked in teams to apply comprehensive geriatric assessment, management and rehabilitation. A geriatric team assessed those in the intervention group 4 months postoperatively, in order to detect and treat any complications. The control group followed conventional postoperative routines. RESULTS: Despite shorter hospitalization, significantly more people from the intervention group had regained independence in personal activities of daily living performance at the 4- and 12-month follow-ups; odds ratios (95% confidence interval (CI) ) 2.51 (1.00-6.30) and 3.49 (1.31-9.23), respectively. More patients in the intervention group had also regained the ability to walk independently indoors without walking aids by the end of the study period, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 3.01 (1.18-7.61). CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary postoperative intervention programme enhances activities of daily living performance and mobility after hip fracture, from both a short-term and long-term perspective.     

Clinical follow-up after cessation of chronic electrical neuromodulation in patients with severe coronary artery disease: a prospective randomized controlled study on putative involvement of sympathetic activity

The present study assessed the reoccurrence of myocardial ischemia after withholding electrical neurostimulation. After randomization, in the study or withdrawal group, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) was set active during the first 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of withholding stimulation. In the control group, SCS was switched off during 4 weeks before the end of the study. The control group had no crossover period. Measurements were done at baseline, then after 4 and 8 weeks. The first periods at 4 weeks of each sequence of both groups were compared. In addition, a comparison of clinical variables was performed between the study group 4 weeks after withholding stimulation and the control group 4 weeks following randomization. A total number of 24 patients with refractory angina and an implanted spinal cord stimulator were included in the study (n = 12) and control group. Angina pectoris complaints, nitroglycerin intake, ischemia, and heart rate variability using 48-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring were assessed. In addition, neurohormonal status and symptom-limited aerobic capacity were evaluated. There was no increase of anginal complaints or ischemia after withholding stimulation. Neurohormonal levels and aerobic capacity were not altered. We conclude that there is no adverse clinical rebound phenomenon after withholding neurostimulation in patients with refractory angina pectoris.     

Rebleeding and endometrial growth in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickness < 5 mm managed by dilatation and curettage or ultrasound follow-up: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of rebleeding and endometrial growth during a 12-month follow-up period between women with postmenopausal bleeding and an endometrial thickness < 5 mm managed by dilatation and curettage, and those managed by ultrasound follow-up. DESIGN: Consecutive women with postmenopausal bleeding and an endometrial thickness < 5 mm were randomized to ultrasound follow-up after 3, 6, and 12 months (n = 48) or to primary dilatation and curettage with ultrasound follow-up at 12 months (n = 49). At all follow-up examinations, the endometrial thickness was measured and the women were asked about rebleeding. The endometrium was sampled at the 12-month examination, if sampling had not been performed previously because of rebleeding or endometrial growth. RESULTS: Rebleeding was reported by 33% (16/48) of the women in the ultrasound group and by 21% (10/48) of those in the dilatation and curettage group (P = 0.17). Endometrial growth to >or= 5 mm was found in 21% (10/48) of the women in the ultrasound group and in 10% (5/48) of those in the dilatation and curettage group (P = 0.16). No endometrial pathology was found in women with isolated rebleeding. Endometrial pathology during follow-up was found more often in women with endometrial growth than in those without (33% vs. 4%; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Rebleeding and endometrial growth are common during a follow-up period of 12 months in women with postmenopausal bleeding and an endometrial thickness < 5 mm, irrespective of whether or not dilatation and curettage is primarily carried out. If these women are managed by ultrasound follow-up, endometrial sampling should be performed if the endometrium grows, but not necessarily in the case of rebleeding without endometrial growth.     

Effect of a single session of transcranial direct-current stimulation on balance and spatiotemporal gait variables in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized sham-controlled study

Background:

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) has been widely studied with the aim of enhancing local synaptic efficacy and modulating the electrical activity of the cortex in patients with neurological disorders.

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a single session of tDCS regarding immediate changes in spatiotemporal gait and oscillations of the center of pressure (30 seconds) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method:

A randomized controlled trial with a blinded evaluator was conducted involving 20 children with CP between six and ten years of age. Gait and balance were evaluated three times: Evaluation 1 (before the stimulation), Evaluation 2 (immediately after stimulation), and Evaluation 3 (20 minutes after the stimulation). The protocol consisted of a 20-minute session of tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex at an intensity of 1 mA. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups: experimental group - anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex; and control group - placebo transcranial stimulation.

Results:

Significant reductions were found in the experimental group regarding oscillations during standing in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions with eyes open and eyes closed in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). In the intra-group analysis, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in gait velocity, cadence, and oscillation in the center of pressure during standing (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the control group among the different evaluations.

Conclusion:

A single session of tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex promotes positive changes in static balance and gait velocity in children with cerebral palsy.