Cerebral and Peripheral Electrical Stimulation on Isometric Quadriceps Strength

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Quadriceps muscle strength is a key goal to be achieved in rehabilitation protocols for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Both cerebral and peripheral electrical stimulations can modulate motor brain areas involved in motor functions and has the potential to optimize muscle capacity. However, their effects on quadriceps function are lacking. This study aims to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) on quadriceps strength in healthy subjects.

Official Title
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Effects of Peripheral and Cerebral Electrical Stimulation on Maximal Isometric Strength of Knee Extensors

Conditions
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Healthy Volunteers

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Cerebral stimulation
* Device: Peripheral stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy subjects with no complaints of pain, discomfort in the musculoskeletal system. Exclusion Criteria: Musculoskeletal or neurological disorder Under medication

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Cerebral stimulation<br>Active transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS: 20 minutes, 2mA, primary motor cortex anode (contralateral to the dominant lower limb) and supraorbital cathode (ipsilateral to the dominant lower limb). | Device: Cerebral stimulation<br>* Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that has been investigated for the management of various health conditions. However, its ergogenic effect still has controversial results.<br>* Other names: Transcranial direct current stimulation;|
| Experimental: Combined stimulation 1<br>Active peripheral electrical stimulation (PES_sensorial) combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS: 20 minutes, 2mA, primary motor cortex anode (contralateral to the lesion) and supraorbital cathode (ipsilateral to the lesion). PES_sensorial: 20 minutes, 10Hz (frequency), 100µs (pulse duration), intensity at sensorial level. | Device: Cerebral stimulation<br>* Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that has been investigated for the management of various health conditions. However, its ergogenic effect still has controversial results.<br>* Other names: Transcranial direct current stimulation;Device: Peripheral stimulation<br>* Peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) activates a complex neural network involving a series of neurotransmitters and receptors capable of promoting segmental and extrasegmental analgesia. Moreover, recent evidence has shown that PES can activate brain motor areas such as primary motor cortex.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Peripheral stimulation<br>Active peripheral electrical stimulation (PES_motor). PES: 15 minutes, 30Hz (frequency), 100µs (pulse duration), intensity at motor level. | Device: Peripheral stimulation<br>* Peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) activates a complex neural network involving a series of neurotransmitters and receptors capable of promoting segmental and extrasegmental analgesia. Moreover, recent evidence has shown that PES can activate brain motor areas such as primary motor cortex.<br>|
| Experimental: Combined stimulation 2<br>Active sensorial peripheral electrical stimulation (PES_sensorial) combined with active motor peripheral electrical stimulation (PES_motor) PES_sensorial: 20 minutes, 10Hz (frequency), 100µs (pulse duration), intensity at sensorial level PES_motor: 15 minutes, 30Hz (frequency), 100µs (pulse duration), intensity at motor level. | Device: Cerebral stimulation<br>* Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that has been investigated for the management of various health conditions. However, its ergogenic effect still has controversial results.<br>* Other names: Transcranial direct current stimulation;Device: Peripheral stimulation<br>* Peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) activates a complex neural network involving a series of neurotransmitters and receptors capable of promoting segmental and extrasegmental analgesia. Moreover, recent evidence has shown that PES can activate brain motor areas such as primary motor cortex.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Isometric quadriceps strength | Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (Kgf) | Pre and Post-test (immediately after tDCS) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Isometric quadriceps strength | Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (Kgf) | During stimulation | 
| Isometric quadriceps strength | Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (Kgf) | 10 minutes post-stimulation |