The Effects Of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Neural Excitability And Function In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Preliminary Investigation
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Amelia Bruce (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Alan Needle
Abstract: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is common after ankle sprains, characterized by repeated sensations of giving-way existing in 30% of active individuals; high reinjury rates attributed to changes in brain function, suggest current rehabilitation is insufficient. This study attempted to modify these injury-induced brain changes by using anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (aTDCS) with ankle strengthening among individuals with CAI. We implemented a randomized-controlled trial design. Dependent variables included: neural excitability, dynamic balance with muscle activation, side-hop test, and ankle strength tested at baseline, week-2, week-4, and week-6. Twenty-two individuals completed 10 sessions of ankle strengthening over 4-weeks with aTDCS (21.8±2.7yrs, 5M/6F) or sham (22.3±3.1yrs, 3M/8F) stimulation. The aTDCS group received 1.5mA of cortical stimulation for 18-minutes; the sham group received 1-minute of stimulation. Differences were assessed with group-by-time factorial ANOVA (?=0.05). Four-weeks of aTDCS with eccentric exercise enhanced cortical excitability and dynamic balance (baseline to week-6: p=0.024, p=0.026), and improved muscle activation of ankle stabilizers (p=0.044) within 250-ms after landing, compared to sham stimulation. This is the first study using brain stimulation to treat a musculoskeletal injury. Findings support that aTDCS may reverse maladaptive neuroplasticity and subsequently improve function, warranting further investigation into musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
The Effects Of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Neural Excitability And Function In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Preliminary Investigation
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Created on 5/28/2019
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Bruce, A. (2019). The Effects Of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Neural Excitability And Function In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Preliminary Investigation. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2019
- Keywords
- Chronic Ankle Instability,
Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation,
Brain Stimulation, Neural Excitability,
Functional Performance