Comparison of the Effect of Direct Transcranial Electrical Stimulation of Motor and Vision Cortex on Working Memory and Motor Performance in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the current study was to compare the effect of direct transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS) of the motor and vision cortex on working memory and motor performance in girls with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test research design and a follow-up period of 1 and 42 days, 48 girls with developmental coordination disorder with an age range of 7 to 10 years were selected. There are randomly divided into 4 groups of 12 subjects, including motor cortex tDCS, visual cortex tDCS, sham stimulation, and control. Participants in the pre-test performed 3 working memory tests and 10 throwing and catching skills. The intervention phase was performed for 5 consecutive days. Each day, electrical stimulation of the brain on the motor cortex (C3 anode and Fp2 cathode), visual cortex (Oz anode and Cz cathode), and sham stimulation were performed. Participants performed 3 working memory tests and 10 throwing and catching skills. In the last session, the post-test phase was performed. 1 day and 42 days after the post-test phase, short-term and long-term follow-up phases were performed, respectively. Results: Results indicated the persistence of working memory and motor performance in girls with DCD in short-term and long-term follow-up tests. However, no significant difference was found between the effect of tDCS on the motor and vision cortex on working memory and motor performance. Conclusion: tDCS of the motor cortex and visual cortex significantly improved working memory and motor performance in girls with developmental coordination disorders.s