The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance cognitive and motor functions has enjoyed a massive increase in popularity. Modifying neuroplasticity via non-invasive cortical stimulation has enormous potential to slow or even reverse declines in functions associated with ageing. The current meta-analysis evaluated the effects of tDCS on cognitive and motor performance in healthy older adults. Of the 81 studies identified, 25 qualified for inclusion. A random effects model meta-analysis revealed a significant overall standardized mean difference equal to 0.53 (SE = 0.09; medium heterogeneity: I² = 57.08%; and high fail-safe: N = 448). Five analyses on moderator variables indicated significant tDCS beneficial effects: (a) on both cognitive and motor task performances, (b) across a wide-range of cognitive tasks, (c) on specific brain areas, (d) stimulation offline (before) or online (during) the cognitive and motor tasks. Although the meta-analysis revealed robust support for enhancing both cognitive and motor performance, we outline a number of caveats on the use of tDCS.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	meta-analysis, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), anodal tDCS, cognitive function, motor function, ageing
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Neurosciences
Research Field:	Central Nervous System
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health)
Objective Field:	Health Related to Ageing
Author:	Summers, JJ (Professor Jeffery Summers)
ID Code:	105087
Year Published:	2016
Funding Support:	Australian Research Council (DP130104317)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	27
Deposited By:	Psychology
Deposited On:	2015-12-07
Last Modified:	2018-03-21
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