Trial Outcomes & Findings for tDCS in Elderly Fallers Study (NCT NCT03814304)

tDCS in Elderly Fallers Study

This metric will assess the change from baseline in the degree to which performing a secondary cognitive task diminishes gait speed. The dual-task cost (DTC) to gait speed is calculated by (dual-task gait speed-single-task gait speed)/single-task gait speed \*100. Greater reduction in DTC to gait speed from baseline to post intervention indicates better performance.

This metric will assess the change from baseline in fear of falling. Participants will rate, on a 4-point Likert scale, fear of falling when performing 16 activities. Scores are added up to calculate a total score that ranges from 16 to 64. The cut-point for high fear of falling is defined as scores \>23 for this 16-item scale. The decrease of this scale indicates lower fear of falling.

This metric, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), is a standardized screening measure of global cognitive function, including attention, executive function, memory, language, visuospatial abilities, abstraction, calculation, and orientation. Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance.

This metric, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), is a standardized measure of lower-extremity physical function based on standing balance, usual-pace walking speed, and repeated chair stands. Each component is scored from 0 to 4, and the component scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 12. Higher scores indicate better lower-extremity physical function.

This metric will assess the change from baseline in the degree to which performing a secondary cognitive task diminishes the control of gait. The dual-task cost (DTC) to stride time variability (STV) is calculated by (dual-task STV - single-task STV)/single-task STV \*100. Greater reduction in DTC to STV from baseline to post intervention indicates better performance.

This metric will assess the change from baseline in the degree to which walking diminishes the ability to perform a cognitive task. The dual-task cost (DTC) to the correct rate of serial subtraction (correct rate) is calculated by (dual-task correct rate - single-task correct rate)/single-task correct rate \*100. Greater reduction in DTC to correct rate from baseline to post intervention indicates better performance.

The Trail Making Test (TMT) assesses visual attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and executive function. In Part A, participants connect numbered targets in sequential order. In Part B, participants alternate between numbers and letters in sequential order. Completion time is recorded in seconds, with a maximum allowable completion time of 300 seconds. The "TMT B - A" score was calculated by subtracting the time required to complete Part A from the time required to complete Part B. This derived score reflects the additional executive-function and set-shifting demands of Part B while accounting for visual scanning and motor speed. Lower values indicate better performance.

This metric, time to complete Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) task, is a standardized measure of functional mobility and balance. It records the time, in seconds, required for a participant to stand up from a chair, walk straightly, turn around, walk back straightly, and sit down. Faster TUG time indicates better mobility.

This test will assess the change from baseline in working memory. The score of Digit Span ranges from 0 to 32. Higher total scores indicate better working memory performance. Change from baseline was calculated as the follow-up total score minus the baseline total score. Possible change scores range from -32 to 32. Positive values indicate improvement, negative values indicate worsening, and a value of 0 indicates no change.

This common test will assess the change from baseline in word retrieval. Higher scores indicate better verbal fluency performance.

This common test will assess the change from baseline in s verbal learning and episodic memory. The score ranges from 0% to 100%, with higher percentages indicating better retention of previously learned verbal information.

The 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary (SF-12 PCS) is a patient-reported measure of physical health and physical health-related quality of life. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better physical health and functioning.

This questionnaire measures the changes in mental-health-related quality of life from baseline to post-intervention follow-ups. The 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Mental Component Summary (SF-12 MCS) is a patient-reported measure of mental health and mental health-related quality of life. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better mental health and functioning.

This measure the change in gait speed when walking in dual task condition from baseline to post-intervention follow-ups. Faster speed indicates better gait performance.

This outcome measures the change in gait stride time variability (STV) when walking in dual task condition from baseline to post-intervention follow-ups. Lower STV indicates better gait performance.

The outcome measures the change in gait speed when walking in single task condition from baseline to post-intervention follow-ups. faster gait speed indicates better gait performance.

This outcome measures the changes in gait stride time variability (STV) when walking in single task condition from baseline to post-intervention follow-ups. Lower STV indicates better gait performance.