Work

Transcranial direct current stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of motor and cognitive effects

Year: 2024

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising noninvasive intervention for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, studies of its motor and cognitive effect have produced mixed results. We conducted a systematic review including 38 studies and meta-analysis of 12 randomized sham-controlled trials with 263 PD patients. No significant differences were found between active and sham tDCS in motor function (UPDRS-III: SMD = -0.14, p = 0.74), gait (SMD = 0.10, p = 0.513), attention and working memory (SMD = 0.24, p = 0.13), executive function (SMD = 0.03, p = 0.854), and memory and learning (SMD: -0.07, p = 0.758). The prediction intervals indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies. Meta-regression showed small positive effects in younger PD patients with milder symptoms. These findings are preliminary but suggest tDCS may benefit some PD patients while being neutral or harmful to others.

Source: npj Parkinson s Disease

DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00821-z

Authors: Zhuo Duan, Chencheng Zhang

Institutions: University of Freiburg, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University Medical Center Freiburg, Ruijin Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,590