Title: Can transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) be done remotely in a way that is safe and effective for children with Cerebral Palsy?
Citations:
Gillick BT, Rich T, Nemanich S, Chen CY, Menk J, Mueller BA, Chen M, Ward M, Meekins G, Feyma T. Krach L, Rudser K. ‘Transcranial direct current stimulation and constraint-induced therapy in cerebral palsy: a randomized, blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial’, European Journal of Paediatric Neurology 2018, 22; 358-368.
Lench DH, Simpson E, Sutter EN, Gillick BT. ‘Feasibility of remote transcranial direct current stimulation for pediatric cerebral palsy during the COVID-19 pandemic.’ Brain Stimul. 2020 Nov-Dec;13(6):1803-1804.
Simpson E, Saiote C, Sutter E, Lench D, Ikonomidou C, Villegas M, Gillick B. Remotely Monitored Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: Open Label Trial Protocol’ BMC Pediatrics, 2022 Sep 29:22(1):566
Abstract: Key Research Question: Can transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) be done remotely in a way that is safe and effective for children with Cerebral Palsy? Significance: Remote access to tDCS mitigates barriers to treatment such as location, time, transportation, and finances. While only 14% of Americans live in rural communities, they represent nearly 2/3 of primary care health professional shortage areas. Telehealth visits cost patients on average 54% less costly for an office visit. Time and travel are estimated to cost patients about $89 billion a year. Background: Remote access to tDCS mitigates barriers to treatment such as location, time, transportation, and finances. While only 14% of Americans live in rural communities, they represent nearly 2/3 of primary care health professional shortage areas. Telehealth visits cost patients on average 54% less costly for an office visit. Time and travel are estimated to cost patients about $89 billion a year. Method: This study will be conducted remotely with the participant at their home. A safety monitor will be present to oversight safe use of the device. During each session participants will be on a videoconference call to receive instruction to administer active tDCS.
About the Lab: The Pediatric Neuromodulation Laboratory at the Waisman Center investigates how the brain simultaneously develops and recovers after perinatal stroke in early infancy. Further, Gillick’s team investigates interventions using combined non-invasive brain stimulation with neurorehabilitation to optimize functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy due to perinatal stroke. By understanding the patterns of brain recovery and the optimal timing of intervention, Gillick aims to improve functional outcomes early in life, for improved lifelong activity and participation.
Investigator: Bernadette Gillick, PhD