2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (26): 4192-4198

Effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on human dynamic balance

Qiao Qiqi1, Wu Yixin2, Wang Xin3, Xia Zhongliang4     

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation has great potential in promoting the improvement of cognition and motor behavior, which can improve the body’s static balance ability.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on the body’s dynamic balance.
METHODS: A total of 36 healthy students from Shenyang Sport University were recruited as test subjects, including 24 males and 12 females. They were divided into three groups by a random number table method, followed by anodic high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation with different current intensities of 0   (sham stimulation), 1, and 2 mA for 20 minutes. The dynamic balance ability was tested before stimulation and immediately and 30 minutes after stimulation. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Shenyang Sport University (approval No. [2020]12).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The subject’s bipedal dynamic stability index and right-foot dynamic stability index were significantly reduced immediately and 30 minutes after 1 mA stimulation (P < 0.05). The offset distance was significantly shortened at 30 minutes after 1 mA stimulation (P < 0.05). The subject’s bipedal dynamic stability index and right-foot dynamic stability index were significantly reduced 30 minutes after 2 mA stimulation (P < 0.05). The offset distance was significantly shortened immediately and 30 minutes after 2 mA stimulation (P < 0.05). Anodic high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation with different current intensities showed no different effects in improving the dynamic balance of the human body (P > 0.05). To conclude, high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation can temporarily improve the dynamic balance ability. It cannot only increase the dynamic stability when standing on single and both feet, but also promote gait stability during active exercises.
Key words: high-definition, transcranial direct current stimulation, dynamic balance, mechanism of action, healthy college students, dynamic stability, offset distance, balance ability