Bihemispheric anodal corticomotor stimulation using transcranial direct current stimulation improves bimanual typing task performance

J Mot Behav. 2013;45(4):361-7. doi: 10.1080/00222895.2013.808604. Epub 2013 Jun 24.

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is associated with improved unimanual skilled hand use. The authors assessed effects of bihemispheric anodal corticomotor tDCS (BAC-tDCS) on bimanual skilled hand use. Twenty-eight nondisabled subjects were randomized to either BAC-tDCS or sham-tDCS, 20 min daily for 5 consecutive days. Performance on a bimanual typing (BT) task and a short-term memory (STM) task was assessed daily and at 1-week follow-up. Mean change between Day 1 and Day 5 in BT score with BAC-tDCS (19.4 points; 95% CI [12.82, 25.99]) was significantly greater (p =.04) than change with sham-tDCS (12.5 points; 95% CI [7.6, 17.3]). Neither group retained improvements in BT score at follow-up. BAC-tDCS had no effect on STM. These results may have implications for interventions to improve hand function in persons with bilateral hand dysfunction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Motor Skills / physiology*