Insights and Future Directions on the Combined Effects of Mind-Body Therapies with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: An Evidence-based Review.
Ingrid Rebello-Sanchez, Karen Vasquez-Avila, Joao Parente, Kevin Pacheco-Barrios, Paulo S De Melo, Paulo E P Teixeira, Kian Jong, Wolnei Caumo, Felipe Fregni
The journal of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2022 DOI: 10.4103/ijprm.jisprm-000167 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 461 |
| Population | Participants in randomized clinical trials combining MBTs with tDCS |
| Interventions | mindfulness biofeedback Transcranial direct current stimulation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Biofeedback Hypnosis Mind body therapies Tdcs |
| Key findings | A review of ten RCTs found that combining mind-body therapies with tDCS is a promising but heterogeneous field, with meditation and mindfulness being the most common MBTs tested. |
Abstract
Mind-body therapies (MBTs) use mental abilities to modify electrical neural activity across brain networks. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates neuronal membrane potentials to enhance neuroplasticity. A combination of these treatment strategies may generate synergistic or additive effects, and thus has been more commonly tested in clinical trials, fostering a novel yet promising field of research. We conducted a literature search in four different databases including only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that tested the combination of MBTs with tDCS. Ten studies (n=461) were included. Combined protocols included meditation/mindfulness (8/10), biofeedback (1/10), and hypnosis (1/10). The RCTs were heterogeneous with regards to population, design, and types of outcomes. Based on the findings of this search, we provide here a content description, methodological and practical insights, and future directions for the field. We hope this review will provide future authors with information to facilitate the development of trials with improved protocols.