The current study aims to determine the effects of combination stimulation (M1 Cortex+ Cerebellum) along with balance training (X-box with Kinect) on postural control in elderly population and to compare the combined stimulation (M1+CbS) with individual motor cortex, cerebellar or sham stimulation.
The current study has been designed to investigate the potential effects of short term transcranial direct current stimulation on motor cortex and cerebellum both simultaneously and to document any additional benefits over each individual stimulations (M1 cortex stimulation, cerebellar stimulation or sham stimulation). Patients will be receiving the transcranial direct current stimulation combined with non-immersive virtual reality using Xbox 360 with Kinect in each group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
52
For M1, the anodal electrode will be placed over M1 region while the cathodal electrode will be placed over the right contralateral supraorbital region.
For the Cerebellar Stimulation Group, active anodal electrode will be placed over the cerebellum bilaterally about 1-2 cm below the inion occipital protuberance, whereas the returning cathodal electrode will be placed on right buccinator muscle
In M1, the anodal electrode will be placed over the M1 region while the cathodal electrode will be placed over the right contralateral supraorbital region whereas simultaneously for the CbSG, active anodal electrode will be placed over the cerebellum bilaterally about 1-2 cm below inion occipital protuberance, whereas the returning cathodal electrode will be placed on right buccinator muscle.
Railway General Hospital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Berg balance scale (BBS)
Berg Balance Scale is considered gold standard for balance assessment. Patients are asked to complete 14 tasks, and each task is rated by an examiner on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (cannot perform) to 4 (normal performance). Elements of the test are supposed to be representative of daily activities that require balance, including tasks such as sitting, standing, leaning over, and stepping. Some tasks are rated according to the quality of the performance of the task, whereas the time taken to complete the task is measured for other tasks. Overall scores can range from 0 (severely impaired balance) to 56 (excellent balance).
Time frame: 3 weeks
Timed Up and Go test (TUG)
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a reliable, cost-effective, safe, and time-efficient way to evaluate overall functional mobility. The TUG has a high correlation with other proven tests that measure pure gait speed for longer lengths such as a 10-m walk.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Bestest Balance Evaluation-Systems Test (Bestest)
The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) is a balance assessment that distinguishes 6 aspects of balance ability. Biomechanical constraints, limits of stability, anticipatory adjustments, postural responses, sensory orientation, and stability in gait. BESTest total score (ICC=0.98) and the BESTest sections (ICC between 0.85 and 0.96) have excellent intra-rater reliability. Inter-rater reliability for the total score was excellent (ICC=0.93) and, for the sections, it ranged between 0.71 and 0.94.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Twenty-five feet walk test (25FWT)
The T25-FW is a quantitative mobility and leg function performance test based on a timed 25-walk. The patient is directed to one end of a clearly marked 25-foot course and is instructed to walk 25 feet as quickly as possible, but safely. The time is calculated from the initiation of the instruction to start and ends when the patient has reached the 25-foot mark. The task is immediately administered again by having the patient walk back the same distance. Patients may use assistive devices when doing this task. Administration time will vary depending upon the ability of the patient. Total administration time should be approximately 1-5 minutes. The T25-FW has high inter-rater and test-retest reliability and shows evidence of good concurrent validity.
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In Sham stimulation, Electrodes will be placed according to M1 Stimulation i.e., the anodal electrode will be placed over M1 region while the cathodal electrode will be placed over the right contralateral supraorbital region.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Six-minute walk test (6MWT)
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a sub-maximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. It is a simple, non-invasive, low-cost and reproducible exercise test used to evaluate endurance during self-paced, submaximal walk by measuring the distance walked within 6 minutes (6MWD) along a flat, straight course with a hard surface. The 6-min walk had good test-retest reliability (88 \< R \< 94), particularly when a practice trial preceded the test trial.
Time frame: 3 weeks