Muaz Bin Ezhar

• MBBS (NUMed Malaysia)
• Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on dual task walking and cortical activity: A feasibility study

Walking with additional tasks requires a dynamic interaction between cortical regions. This is more challenging and affects gait of older people. It is believed that a weak direct current on the motor cortical area may enhance its neuronal function. tDCS treatment is non-painful and involves placing small sponges on top of the head and on the forehead. This project was carried out to explore the feasibility of using tDCS together with fNIRS. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a device used to study the cortical activity based on oxygenation level in different conditions. The study was also conducted to investigate changes in dual task walking after the stimulation of direct current based on difference in cortical activity. From this study, we concluded that it is feasible to use tDCS and fNIRS at the same time, tested with young participants. Future study is planned to include healthy older and younger adults.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr. Annette Pantall