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TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT-CURRENT STIMULATION IN COMBINATION WITH EXERCISE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ESTIMULAÇÃO TRANSCRANIANA POR CORRENTE CONTÍNUA EM COMBINAÇÃO COM O EXERCÍCIO: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

ESTIMULACIÓN TRANSCRANEANA POR CORRIENTE CONTINUA EN COMBINACIÓN CON EL EJERCICIO: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive technique that allows the modulation of cortical excitability and can produce changes in neuronal plasticity. The application of tDCS has recently been associated with physical activity.

Objectives

To verify the effect of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) in combination with physical exercise, characterizing methodological aspects of the technique.

Methods

In the database search, studies with animals, other neuromodulation techniques and opinion and review articles were excluded. Publications up to 2016 were selected and the methodological quality of the articles was verified through the PEDro scale.

Results

The majority of studies (86%) used tDCS on the motor cortex area, with anodal current and the allocation of monocephalic electrodes (46.5%). The prevalent current intensity was 2mA (72%), with duration of 20min (55.8%). The profile of the research participants was predominantly of subjects aged up to 60 years (72.1%). The outcomes were favorable for the use of anodal tDCS in combination with physical exercise.

Conclusion

Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation is a promising technique when used in combination with aerobic and anaerobic exercises; however, it is necessary to investigate concurrent exercise. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment (systematic review of Level II studies or Level I studies with inconsistent results).

Electrical stimulation; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Physical activity

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