Specific modulatory effects of different network-based transcranial direct current stimulation on gait char-acteristics in healthy adults
Objective:To develop three tDCS protocols based on the gait-related brain networks:the frontoparietal net-work(FPN),the dorsal-attention network(DAN),and the default network(DN),with the aim of specifical-ly modulating gait speed and gait variability and improving walking function.Method:In this study,healthy adults were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups receiving different stimulation protocols:simultaneously enhancing the excitability of FPN and suppressing the excitability of DN(i.e.,FPN+/DN-tDCS),enhancing the excitability of DAN and suppressing the excitability of DN(i.e.,DAN+/DN-tDCS),and sham stimulation(Sham group).Normal,fast and dual-task gait tests were performed immediately before/after electrical stimulation,and spatiotemporal parameters and variability indicators of gait were collected.Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of three stimulation on gait characteristics under different conditions.Result:A total of 72 subjects were included in this study,64 of whom completed all tests.There were no significant interaction effects observed on gait spatiotemporal parameters in three conditions(normal,fast,dual-task walking conditions)and gait variability in normal walking between pre-and post-intervention assessments.In the fast gait task,there were significant interaction effects observed for stride length variability(F=3.671,P=0.031)and double support time variability(F=3.879,P=0.026).In the dual-task gait task,there were signif-icant interaction effects observed for stride width variability(F=3.940,P=0.025),gait speed variability(F=3.936,P=0.025),and double support time variability(F=4.913,P=0.011).Conclusion:The DAN+/DN-tDCS protocol were effective in reducing gait variability and improving gait stabili-ty during complex tasks in healthy adults.However,the FPN+/DN-tDCS protocol did not specifically improve gait speed under different conditions.
gait speedgait variabilitytranscranial direct current stimulationbrain network modulation
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