Rosa Angela Fabio1, Antonio Gangemi2, Tindara Capri3, Sarojini Budden4, Alessandra Falzone5. 1. Department of Cognitive Science, Psychological, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Italy. Electronic address: rafabio@unime.it. 2. Department of Cognitive Science, Psychological, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Italy. Electronic address: antgangemi@unime.it. 3. Department of Cognitive Science, Psychological, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Italy. Electronic address: tcapri@unime.it. 4. St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center Portland, OR, United States. Electronic address: sbudden@comcast.net. 5. Department of Cognitive Science, Psychological, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Italy. Electronic address: amfalzone@unime.it.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: this study was based on both neurophysiological decelerated activity and communication deficits in Rett Syndrome (RTT). AIMS: the aim was to examine the neurophysiological and cognitive effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in three girls with RTT with chronic language impairments. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: we proposed an integrated intervention: tDCS and cognitive empowerment applied to language in order to enhance speech production (new functional sounds and new words). Because maximal gains usually are achieved when tDCS is coupled with behavioral training, we applied tDCS stimulation on Broca's area together with linguistic training. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: the results indicated a general enhancement in language abilities (an increase in the number of vowel/consonant sounds and words and the production and comprehension through discrimination), motor coordination (functional movements), and neurophysiological parameters (an increase in the frequency and power of alpha, beta and theta bands). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: we assume that tDCS stimulation combined with the cognitive empowerment applied to language can significantly influence a chronic impairment even in genetic syndromes. Our results provide data that support the role of tDCS in fostering brain plasticity and in particular in empowering speech production and comprehension in girls with RTT.
BACKGROUND: this study was based on both neurophysiological decelerated activity and communication deficits in Rett Syndrome (RTT). AIMS: the aim was to examine the neurophysiological and cognitive effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in three girls with RTT with chronic language impairments. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: we proposed an integrated intervention: tDCS and cognitive empowerment applied to language in order to enhance speech production (new functional sounds and new words). Because maximal gains usually are achieved when tDCS is coupled with behavioral training, we applied tDCS stimulation on Broca's area together with linguistic training. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: the results indicated a general enhancement in language abilities (an increase in the number of vowel/consonant sounds and words and the production and comprehension through discrimination), motor coordination (functional movements), and neurophysiological parameters (an increase in the frequency and power of alpha, beta and theta bands). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: we assume that tDCS stimulation combined with the cognitive empowerment applied to language can significantly influence a chronic impairment even in genetic syndromes. Our results provide data that support the role of tDCS in fostering brain plasticity and in particular in empowering speech production and comprehension in girls with RTT.
Authors: Rosa Angela Fabio; Martina Semino; Samantha Giannatiempo; Tindara Caprì; Giancarlo Iannizzotto; Andrea Nucita Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-03 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Lucia Dovigo; Tindara Caprì; Giancarlo Iannizzotto; Andrea Nucita; Martina Semino; Samantha Giannatiempo; Lia Zocca; Rosa Angela Fabio Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2021-06-24
Authors: Rosa Angela Fabio; Antonio Gangemi; Martina Semino; Aglaia Vignoli; Maria Paola Canevini; Alberto Priori; Gabriella Di Rosa; Tindara Caprì Journal: Brain Sci Date: 2020-05-02