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Objectives: To examine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on upper extremity spasticity after stroke and to define the most effective tDCS parameters. Literature Survey: Systematic review in the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, CINAHL, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, AMED, and Web of Science databases. Studies up to June 2020 were included. Methodology: Studies were included if the sample was composed of individuals with stroke, the intervention followed a tDCS intervention (alone or combined with another intervention), and the study was a randomized controlled trial including at least one measurement assessing upper extremity spasticity. Two authors independently screened the included studies. Conflicting decisions between authors were resolved by discussion with the third author. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The authors determined that the meta-analysis was not feasible due to the heterogeneity in the protocols among the included studies. Synthesis: After the screening of 1204 records, a total of seven studies met the specified inclusion criteria and involved 320 participants (mean age = 60.3), 31.1% of whom were females. Patients with ischemic stroke comprised 77.2% of the total patients, and 42.2% were with right hemispheric stroke. Six studies exhibited "high" quality and one exhibited "moderate" quality. Five of the selected studies that combined the tDCS intervention and other traditional interventions showed a significant reduction in upper extremity spasticity after stroke following tDCS intervention. The other two studies that delivered tDCs alone did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: The evidence for the effect of tDCS on upper extremity spasticity after stroke was limited. The optimal tDCS treatment dosage remains unclear. Additional studies with large sample sizes and long-term follow-up are strongly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gait deficits and postural instability are common impairments among patients with neurological disorders. These impairments limit function independence and decrease activities of daily living. Focal muscle vibration (FMV) produces vibration signals affecting the nervous system. No systematic review has been published examining the influence of FMV on gait ability and postural stability in individuals with neurological disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on gait and postural stability parameters in individuals with neurological disorders. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, REHABDATA, web of science, CHAINAL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched from inception to July 2021. The methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. The scores on the PEDro scale ranged from seven to nine, with a median score of eight. The results showed evidence for the benefits and non‐benefits of the FMV intervention on gait and postural stability in individuals with neurological disorders. Conclusions: The FMV intervention is safe and well‐tolerated in individuals with neurological disorders. The evidence for the effects of FMV on individuals with neurological disorders was limited. Further high‐quality studies with long‐term follow‐up are strongly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]