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Does transcranial direct current stimulation enhance cognitive and motor functions in the ageing brain? A systematic review and metaanalysis
Citation
Summers, JJ and Kang, N and Cauraugh, JH, Does transcranial direct current stimulation enhance cognitive and motor functions in the ageing brain? A systematic review and metaanalysis, Ageing Research Reviews, 25 pp. 42-45. ISSN 1568-1637 (2016) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
© 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.arr.2015.11.004
Abstract
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 Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | meta-analysis, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), anodal tDCS, cognitive function, motor function, ageing |
Research Division: | Biomedical and Clinical 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 |
UTAS Author: | Summers, JJ (Professor Jeffery Summers) |
ID Code: | 105087 |
Year Published: | 2016 |
Funding Support: | Australian Research Council (DP130104317) |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 69 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2015-12-07 |
Last Modified: | 2018-03-21 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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