Effect of a single session of transcranial direct-current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy: a randomized,controlled, double-blind trial

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a single sessionof transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on thebalance of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjetcs and Methods] Children with cerebralpalsy between four and 12 years of age were randomly allocated to two groups: anexperimental group which performed a single session of mobility training with virtualreality combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation; and a control groupwhich performed a single session of mobility training with virtual reality combined withplacebo transcranial direct current stimulation. The children were evaluated before andafter the training protocols. Static balance (sway area, displacement, velocity andfrequency of oscillations of the center of pressure on the anteroposterior andmediolateral axes) was evaluated using a force plate under four conditions (30-secondmeasurements for each condition): feet on the force plate with the eyes open, and with theeyes closed; feet on a foam mat with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed. [Results] Anincrease in sway velocity was the only significant difference found. [Conclusion] A singlesession of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with mobility trainingelicited to lead to an increase in the body sway velocity of children with cerebralpalsy.Key words: Cerebral palsy, Electrical stimulation, Static balance