A Pilot Study of Intensive Locomotor-Related Skill Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Issue 4 (11th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evans, Nicholas H.; Field-Fote, Edelle C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurologic physical therapy. Volume 46:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2022-05-11
• Subjects: anodal-tDCS -- circuit-based exercise -- heart rate -- mobility -- walking; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.80462
• DOI: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000403
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-0576

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Purpose: Improved walking function is a priority among persons with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (PwMISCI). Accessibility and cost limit long-term participation in locomotor training offered in specialized centers. Intensive motor training that facilitates neuroplastic mechanisms that support skill learning and can be implemented in the home/community may be advantageous for promoting long-term restoration of walking function. Additionally, increasing corticospinal drive via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance training effects. In this pilot study, we investigated whether a moderate-intensity motor skill training (MST) circuit improved walking function in PwMISCI and whether augmenting training with tDCS influenced outcomes. Methods: Twenty-five adults (chronic, motor-incomplete spinal cord injury) were randomized to a 3-day intervention of a locomotor-related MST circuit and concurrent application of sham tDCS (MST+tDCSsham ) or active tDCS (MST+tDCS). The primary outcome was overground walking speed. Secondary outcomes included walking distance, cadence, stride length, and step symmetry index (SI). Results: Analyses revealed significant effects of the MST circuit on walking speed, walking distance, cadence, and bilateral stride length but no effect on interlimb SI. No significant between-groups differences were observed. Post hoc analyses revealed within-groups change in walking speed (ΔM = 0.13 m/s, SD = 0.13) that app-roached the minimally clinically important difference of 0.15 m/s. Discussion and Conclusions: Brief, intensive MST involving locomotor-related activities significantly increased walking speed, walking distance, and spatiotemporal measures in PwMISCI. Significant additive effects of tDCS were not observed; however, participation in only 3 days of MST was associated with changes in walking speed that were comparable to longer locomotor training studies. Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A386 ).