Improvement of gait and balance by non-invasive brain stimulation: its use in rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: Gait and balance impairments are common in many neurological disorders and among the elderly, are often difficult to treat, and have a significant effect on quality of life. Areas covered: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technologies have been recognized for their therapeutic potential in various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. There is increasing interest in treatment of gait and balance impairment using newer modalities such as NIBS. Most therapeutic trials so far have been of small size and heterogeneous in design and stimulus parameters. Several controlled trials have begun to provide evidence for short-term improvement of gait and balance in some neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's Disease. Trials in other neurological disorders are few and none in aged related impairment of gait and balance. Expert commentary: Large, well-designed clinical trials are needed to corroborate the early positive findings and confirm its durability and the overall clinical relevance.