Intensity dependent effects of tDCS on corticospinal excitability in chronic Spinal Cord Injury

This study explores how different intensities of a-tDCS (a brain stimulation technique) affect the communication between the brain and muscles in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers used 1 mA, 2 mA, and sham (placebo) stimulation to see how it impacts muscle activation and nerve excitability in the affected upper limb muscles. The goal was to determine if a-tDCS can safely improve motor function and sensory perception in individuals with SCI, and if the intensity of stimulation plays a significant role.

• 1
  2 mA a-tDCS significantly increased MEP amplitude by ~40%, indicating enhanced corticospinal excitability.
• 2
  Sensory threshold significantly decreased following both 1 mA and 2 mA a-tDCS, suggesting improved sensory perception.
• 3
  F-wave persistence showed a non-significant trend for increase following 2 mA stimulation, potentially indicating increased spinal excitability.