Clinical Report: Neurophysiological Impact of High-Intensity Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation

Overview

This study investigates the neurophysiological changes associated with motor improvement in Parkinson's disease patients receiving high-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation (Hi-tACS) alongside multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapy. Key findings include alterations in brain oscillations and connectivity patterns linked to treatment response as observed in the study.

Background

Motor impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly affect patient quality of life and often become inadequately managed as the disease progresses. While pharmacological treatments provide initial benefits, their effectiveness diminishes over time, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies. Noninvasive neuromodulation techniques, such as Hi-tACS, have been explored in conjunction with rehabilitation therapy.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Responders to Hi-tACS combined with MIRT showed increased temporal high beta frequencies relative power.
• Reduced connectivity was observed between the default mode and sensorimotor networks in responders.
• Decreased fractional occupancy of brain states 3 and 6 was noted in responders.
• Changes in temporal high beta frequencies relative power were negatively correlated with changes in total UPDRS part III scores.
• Alterations in brain oscillations and network connectivity are associated with motor improvement in PD patients.

Clinical Implications

Monitoring brain oscillations and connectivity may provide insights into treatment responses in PD patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Conclusion

This study presents findings on the combination of Hi-tACS with multidisciplinary rehabilitation and its association with motor function improvements in Parkinson's disease.

Related Resources & Content

1. High-Intensity Alternating Current Stimulation as an Add-On to Multidisciplinary Intensive Rehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial, PubMed, 2023 -- High-Intensity Alternating Current Stimulation as an Add-On to Multidisciplinary Intensive Rehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2. European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease | Parkinson's UK, 2025 -- European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease
3. Guideline for the clinical application of transcranial alternating current stimulation - PMC, 2025 -- Guideline for the clinical application of transcranial alternating current stimulation
4. Prehabilitation of Motor Networks Using Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Conceptual Study
5. JAMA Network Open — Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation for Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
6. Frontiers in Neurology — Intermittent theta burst stimulation enhances the efficacy of brain–computer interface in upper limb rehabilitation post-stroke
7. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Cognitive Training on Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Study
8. European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease | Parkinson's UK
9. https://www.ifcn.info/UserFiles/file/CLINPH-S-25-01153_Targeted-Safety-Guidelines-update-Oct-2025.pdf
10. Guideline for the clinical application of transcranial alternating current stimulation - PMC
11. High-Intensity Alternating Current Stimulation as an Add-On to Multidisciplinary Intensive Rehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed
12. Frontiers | Effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on neurophysiologic motor function in Parkinson’s patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
13. Transcranial stimulation combined with four rehabilitation therapies for gait and motor function in Parkinson’s disease: a network meta-analysis of 23 RCTs
14. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with motor training for motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
15. Update on Treatments for Parkinson's Disease Motor Fluctuations - An International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Evidence-Based Medicine Review - PubMed