Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate the methods and major outcomes of transcranial direct
current stimulation (tDCS) combined with virtual reality (VR) therapy in
randomized controlled trials. METHOD: A systematic review was performed following
PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science and CAPES periodic
databases, with no time restriction. The studies were screened for the following
inclusion criteria: human subjects, combination of VR and tDCS methods, and
randomized controlled study design. All potentially relevant articles were
independently reviewed by two researchers, who reached a consensus on which
articles met the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the
studies. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included, all of which utilized a variety
of tDCS and VR application methods. The main outcomes were found to be beneficial
in intervention groups of different populations, including improvements in body
sway, gait, stroke recovery, pain management and vegetative reactions.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of tDCS combined with VR showed positive results in both
healthy and impaired patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes and
homogeneous participants are required to confirm the benefits of tDCS and VR.
Implications for Rehabilitation tDCS with VR intervention can be an alternative
to traditional rehabilitation programs. tDCS with VR is a promising type of
intervention with a variety of positive effects. Application of tDCS with VR is
appropriated to both healthy and impaired patients. There is no consensus of tDCS
with VR application.

Langue : ANGLAIS