Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation After Short-term Immobilization on Motor Learning and Hand Function in Healthy Young Adults

The intervention will be conducted using a battery-powered stimulator (TCS-E2000, Shenzhen Yingchi Technology Co., Ltd) through a pair of saline-soaked sponge electrodes (5 cm × 5 cm).The stimulation intensity will be set at 2 mA. The stimulation will last for 20 minutes, with a 10 s fade-in period at the start and a 10-s fade-out period at the end of stimulation. The anodal electrode will be placed over the primary motor cortex (M1), and the reference electrode will be positioned at the center of the forehead.

The intervention will be conducted using a battery-powered stimulator (TCS-E2000, Shenzhen Yingchi Technology Co., Ltd) through a pair of saline-soaked sponge electrodes (5 cm × 5 cm).The stimulation intensity will be set at 2 mA. The anodal electrode will be placed over the primary motor cortex (M1), and the reference electrode will be positioned at the center of the forehead for 20 minutes. However, there will be current only during the first 10 seconds and the last 10 seconds.

The researchers will use an upper limb fixation splint to fix the right upper limb of the participants, with the elbow joint flexed at 90 degrees, to ensure that all movements of the wrist, metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and interphalangeal joints are completely restricted. To avoid discomfort caused by the splint, soft bandages will be wrapped around the hand, and the splint will be adjusted to fit the shape of the hand. Ensure that the fingertips are visible to ensure good blood circulation. The subjects need to wear the upper limb fixation splint for 16 hours. Instruct the subjects to minimize movement and use of the right upper limb as much as possible. During the immobilization process, pay attention to checking if the participants have numbness or other discomfort, as well as whether the blood flow is good. If any adverse symptoms occur, the immobilization will be immediately terminated.