The Effects of tDAS Combined With Stabilization Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) tDCS was administered using electrodes made of metal or conductive rubber, an electrode sponge, and an electrolyte-based contact medium applied to the sponge (6 ml of water for a 35 cm2 sponge). 'Chatanooga Ionto Iontophoresis Dual Channel System (USA)' was used in the study as a constant current stimulator for tDCS. The constant current stimulator was used to deliver the direct current in a constant manner by monitoring the resistance in the continuous system. Two electrodes were placed at 5 cm × 7 cm; 35 cm2; an anode was placed in the primary motor cortex (M1), while a cathode was placed in the contralateral supraorbital space (FP1 on the left and FP2 on the right, according to the EEG 10/20 system) A constant current of 2 mA was applied to the experimental group for 20 minutes.

"Before initiating the stabilization exercises, individuals included in the study were instructed on correct postural alignment. Cervical chin tuck movement was taught during the exercise along with postural alignment and craniocervical flexion movement was requested. After teaching craniocervical flexion exercises in all positions (supine, lying on the side, prone, crawling, sitting, and standing), participants were instructed to perform the movement slowly.~The purpose of this phase was to establish the relationship between vision and motor learning using the Pressure Biofeedback Stabilizer device. The device was positioned on the neck area and inflated to 20 mmHg. The pressure level gradually increased in 2-mmHg increments from 20 to 30 mmHg. For each pressure value (22, 24, 26, 28, 30 mmHg), participants were asked to maintain craniocervical flexion for 10 seconds, and this exercise was repeated ten times."

tDCS was administered using electrodes made of metal or conductive rubber, an electrode sponge, and an electrolyte-based contact medium applied to the sponge (6 ml of water for a 35 cm2 sponge). 'Chatanooga Ionto Iontophoresis Dual Channel System (USA)' was used in the study as a constant current stimulator for tDCS. The constant current stimulator was used to deliver the direct current in a constant manner by monitoring the resistance in the continuous system. Two electrodes were placed at 5 cm × 7 cm; 35 cm2; an anode was placed in the primary motor cortex (M1), while a cathode was placed in the contralateral supraorbital space (FP1 on the left and FP2 on the right, according to the EEG 10/20 system) (Figure 2). As shown in the figure, a constant current of 2 mA was applied to the experimental group for 20 minutes. For the sham group, electrodes were placed in the same areas and a current of 0 mA was applied.