Efeito da tDCS anódica cerebelar na velocidade da marcha com dupla tarefa de adultos com neuropatia diabética: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

Introduction: People with diabetic neuropathy experience sensory-motor impairment, which affects gait speed and balance. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to enhance neuromuscular function and brain plasticity, aiding in motor control and postural stability. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the cerebellar region on gait speed in adults with Type II Diabetes Mellitus during the performance of a motor-cognitive dual-task. Methodology:The study included 11 participants with diabetes, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The effect of a single tDCS session on gait speed, static and dynamic balance was assessed. The intervention consisted of treadmill gait training with obstacles, combined or not (sham) with a subtraction cognitive task and tDCS applied to the cerebellar region. Continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used for pre- and post-intervention comparisons when data followed a normal distribution (p > 0.05). For non-normally distributed data, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was applied. Results: Gait speed, execution time of the TUG test with and without a dual task, and dual-task cost showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: A single session of cerebellar tDCS is not sufficient to alter the gait speed, functional mobility, or balance performance of individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.