#Neuro Rehab Services LLP

Abstract — Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool for inducing cortico-spinal excitability and facilitating motor learning. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) on functional reach tasks while standing. Methods: In this single-blind, sham-controlled study, five healthy right-leg dominant subjects (age: 26.4±5.3yrs) were evaluated under two conditions – with anodal tDCS of primary motor representations of right tibialis anterior muscle and with sham tDCS. Before and immediately after anodal tDCS or sham tDCS, we determined over 10 trials each, the maximum forward, sideways, and backward excursions of the centre of pressure (CoP) as well as the reaction time during return to the centre. Two-way (anodal/sham tDCS x lean-direction: left/right/forward/backward) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on their maximum CoP excursions and return reaction time. Results: The anodal tDCS strongly (p=0.0000) affected the maximum CoP excursions but not the return reaction time while the lean-direction affected (p=0.0000) both the maximum CoP excursions and the return reaction time The post hoc tests showed that tDCS primarily increased (95 % confidence interval) maximum CoP excursions for the right side movements. Conclusions: The preliminary results showed that tDCS-induced increase in the cortical excitability of right tibialis anterior muscle, improved the maximum CoP excursions for right side movements. Keywords — functional reach test, non invasive brain stimulation