Safety and efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation for the upper extremities in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in children. CP makes it hard for children to move and be independent. Many children with CP struggle to move their arms and hands. Good therapies for CP can improve movement and brain function, but they can take a lot of time and be costly. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) might improve function more quickly and effectively. NIBS uses magnetic (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS) or electrical (transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS) forces to help the brain communicate better with the muscles.

This study looked at whether rTMS and tDCS are safe for children with CP and if they can help with arm and hand movement. The researchers thoroughly reviewed all the studies published on these questions and found 19 relevant ones. They found that NIBS is safe for children with CP. However, they also found that rTMS and tDCS probably do not change arm and hand function and activity.