Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
- Sara Asadi Abadi 1
- Azadeh Shadmehr 1
- Zeinab Shiravi 1
- Sara Fereydounnia 1
- Michael A Nitsche 2
- Azita Yazdani 3
1 Department, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany. Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
3 Department, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Background: Approximately 40% of subjects who experience an ankle sprain, develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Changes in CNS and deficits in neurocognitive function have been reported in CAI. This is a protocol study for a randomized controlled trial that aims to assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on self-reported questionnaires, balance, functional performance, and neurocognitive function in CAI.
Methods: A randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind clinical trial will be conducted, with the subjects divided into two groups: 1) anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) in combination with exercises, and 2) sham tDCS in combination with exercises (n= 10 per group). Subjects will receive interventions for 12 sessions (3 sessions per week). Assessment of outcome measures will be done at first, sixth, and twelfth sessions. Self-reported questionnaires will be assessed at first and twelfth sessions.
Discussion: Based on previous studies, tDCS is a beneficial tool for improving balance and cognitive function. Due to correlations between neurocognitive conditions and musculoskeletal disorders, the findings of this study may provide more evidence of the effects of tDCS in CAI population and may introduce a complementary intervention to exercise therapy.
Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20230208057352N1. Registered on 20 February 2023.
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