The effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation on static and dynamic postural stability in older individuals: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled study

The aging population is growing rapidly. Risk of falling is higher in older people compared to young adults due to several reasons including poor posture and balance. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on static and dynamic postural stability in older individuals. Twenty-nine older adults participated in this study and were randomly allocated to two groups of active a-tDCS (experimental; n=14) or sham tDCS group (n=15). Experimental group received cerebellar a-tDCS for 20min with intensity of 1.5mA. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral postural stability indices (postural sway) in addition to Berg Balance Score were measured before and after the intervention. Postural sways in static and dynamic postural tasks were significantly decreased (P<0.05) after cerebellar a-tDCS, in addition to Berg Balance Score that increased significantly in active cerebellar a-tDCS group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant changes in postural stability indices or Berg Balance Score in sham group (P>0.05). The findings indicated immediate effect of cerebellar a-tDCS on improvement of postural control and balance in older individuals.