Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: SÂMARA RAQUEL ALVES GOMES

EFFECTS OF TRANSCRANIAL STIMULATION BY

DIRECT CURRENT ASSOCIATED WITH EXERCISES IN NON-SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN.

TDCS. Low back pain, Pilates, exercises. 

Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is a non-invasive technique for modulating the brain that involves the application of a low-intensity current to various regions of the brain. Research indicates that tDCS can alleviate pain by modulating cortical and subcortical areas involved in pain processing. Low back pain is recognized as a significant public health issue that is highly prevalent, has a high incidence rate, and frequently recurs worldwide.

Objective: to assess the effects of concurrent tDCS application and exercise based on the Pilates method on pain levels and performance in patients with chronic low back pain.

Methodology: This study is a prospective, randomized clinical trial that has been registered in advance. Both the evaluators and the participants will be blinded. The study will include 42 subjects with a history of low back pain lasting over 12 weeks and a minimum pain intensity rating of 3 cm on the numeric pain scale. The treatment will consist of three weekly sessions for a duration of four weeks. The subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group will receive transcranial direct current stimulation along with a physical exercise protocol, while the second group will undergo the same exercise protocol combined with simulated transcranial stimulation. The participants will undergo three assessments: the first assessment (T0) will be conducted prior to the initiation of the treatment protocols; the second assessment (T1) will be performed after the four weeks of intervention; and the third assessment (T2) will be conducted one month after the conclusion of the treatment protocol as a follow-up. The evaluation will include the assessment of pain sensation, pressure pain threshold, and neuromuscular performance of the muscles in the lumbar region.