Abstracts Category : Other

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with conventional care on gait parameters in individuals with parkinson???s disease: a meta-analysis

by Karen Lynn Murata

Objectives: Determine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with conventional care on gait parameters for individuals with Parkinson???s disease.Methods: Studies analyzing tDCS combined with conventional care compared to conventional care alone in individuals with Parkinson???s were investigated. These studies contained similar outcome measures including gait velocity and the timed up and go. The studies were meta-analyzed to determine both treatment effect size and homogeneity between studies.Results: Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with conventional care has no treatment effect on improving gait parameters for individuals with Parkinson???s disease. Heterogeneity was found between studies.Conclusion: Continued research regarding tDCS is needed to establish standardized application parameters, and to further understand the neurophysiological and clinical effects of this treatment intervention in Parkinson???s disease.Study Design: A meta-analysis of clinical studies examining the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with conventional care to improve gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson???s disease.Advisors/Committee Members: Rivera, Monica (advisor), Hajela, Nupur (committeeMember).