Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Neurofunctional Motor Training in Autistic Children: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Key Points

• This trial investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alongside neurofunctional motor training on motor skills in autistic children.
• Conducted a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial with autistic children.
• Administered ten sessions of active tDCS over the primary motor cortex and cerebellum during motor training.
• Compared outcomes against sham stimulation group.
• Active tDCS over the primary motor cortex significantly increased the amplitude of motor evoked potentials compared to sham stimulation (p<0.05).
• No significant improvements in gross and fine motor skills were observed after interventions.
• Comparative analysis highlighted no differences in motor skill enhancement between active tDCS and control conditions.