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STIM4DEX: transcranial electrical stimulation for the rehabilitation of dexterity in neurological conditions

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Resumo:Fine motor control reflects neurological integrity, with handwriting requiring coordinated cortical activation, muscle recruitment, and sensorimotor feedback. Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a non-invasive method capable of modulating cortical excitability and promoting neuroplasticity, with potential applications in motor rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of tES over the primary motor cortex on cortical oscillations, muscle activity, and handwriting performance in ten healthy, right-handed adults aged 46 to 65 years. Each participant completed two experimental sessions, one with active stimulation and one with sham stimulation, applied in a randomised and spaced order. The experimental tasks comprised writing their own signature, tracing a three-turn spiral, and writing a sentence. Stimulation was administered offline, separately from task execution, at an intensity of 1 mA for 16 minutes, with the anode positioned over C3 and the cathode over Fp2. Cortical activity was recorded using electroencephalography, forearm muscle activation was quantified via electromyography, and handwriting kinematics were obtained using the SmartPen. Although no statistically significant differences were observed between active and sham stimulation, trends indicated increased cortical desynchronisation and smoother kinematic execution following anodal tES. The multimodal protocol effectively synchronised neural, muscular, and behavioural signals, supporting its use for integrated motor control analysis. These findings provide a foundation for future research and potential clinical interventions aimed at improving dexterity, including in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Autores principais:Martins, Bárbara Alexandra Correia
Assunto:Fine motor control Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) Electroencephalography (EEG) Electromyography (EMG) Handwriting Neurorehabilitation Controlo motor fino Estimulação transcraniana por corrente direta (tDCS) Eletroencefalografia (EEG) Eletromiografia (EMG) Escrita Neuroreabilitação
Ano:2025
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:dissertação de mestrado
Tipo de acesso:acesso embargado
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal

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