Sport Sciences and Health Research

Sport Sciences and Health Research

Enhancing neuromuscular training effect on balance and gait in autistic children by transcranial direct current stimulation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mona Oftadegan 1
Yousef Moghadas Tabrizi 2
Hooman Minoonejad 3
1 University of Tehran, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, Department of Sport injuries and Biomechanic, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Sport injuries and Biomechanic, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranNeuroscience phd
3 دانشگاه تهران
10.22059/sshr.2024.368682.1112
Abstract
Background: Both of transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) and neuromuscular training (NMT) have used to relive motor deficits in neurological disease.
Aim: We decided to investigate augmenting effect of tDCS and NMT to improve static and dynamic balance and gait parameter in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Materials and Methods: 24 children with ASD aged 6-10 years old were randomly assigned to one of three groups: NMT+ sham, anodal tDCS, and NMT + tDCS. NMT consisted of 10 sessions motor training (each for 40 min). tDCS training was performed with 1.5 mA on left primary motor cortex for 20 min. Pre-test and post-test evaluations included static and dynamic balance and gait parameters (length and width of stepping and speed of gait).
Results: Although improvement of variables were seen in all groups, but in post intervention comparison, combined group was better in static and dynamic balance and gait parameters than two other groups. NMT was more effective than tDCS only in dynamic balance.
Conclusion: Our findings were indicated tDCS enhance NMT effect on neuromuscular function in ASD, so regarding the augmented effect in combination of NMT and tDCS, it can be considered in rehabilitation of motor deficits in these children.
Keywords
autism
balance
gait
neuromuscular training
transcranial direct current electrical stimulation
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Sport Sciences and Health Research
Volume 15, Issue 2
July 2023
Pages 181-191