Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-two patients with chronic ankle instability were randomized to receive either balance training combined with real transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (n=16) or balance training with sham tDCS (n=16). The primary outcome of interest was center of pressure (COP) parameters—displacement and velocity—during the anticipatory, weight transition, and locomotor phases of gait initiation. Secondary outcomes included COP changes in both mediolateral and anteroposterior directions across these phases. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both groups showed significant improvements in several COP parameters, with no added benefit of real tDCS over sham stimulation. These findings suggest that balance training alone is effective in improving postural control during gait initiation in persons with chronic ankle instability.