The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on functional movement performance and balance of the lower extremities

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on functional movement performance and balance of the lower extremities in normal people. [Subjects and Methods] The study randomly divided thirty normal adults into an experimental group and a pseudocontrol group in order to look at the effects of noninvasive tDCS on their agility, power, and balance. Each group also performed a treadmill exercise to evaluate whether brain activation was sustained. [Results] According to the intragroup comparison result, the experimental group showed significant differences in agility and balance, and significant differences occurred in balance in the pseudo-control group. In intergroup comparison, both groups significantly differed in agility and power. [Conclusion] tDCS activates the cerebral cortex, and therefore, is effective in improving functional movements of the lower extremities; it also significantly influences agility among functional movement elements of the lower extremities by maintaining activation of the premotor area during the next movement.