Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physical exercise in knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and progressive joint condition causing pain and disability. Physical exercise is recognised as the most effective intervention since individuals with this condition often experience muscle weakness, balance deficits and chronic pain. Additionally, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is associated with central sensitisation, contributing to chronic pain conditions. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has been employed to induce changes in pain perception by altering cortical excitability, potentially reducing chronic pain.

Methods and analysis

This is a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Participants will be allocated to two groups: G1 (active tDCS combined with exercise)

SUBMITTER: Lima VB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12414159 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature