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This study aimed to assess the immediate effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on pain outcomes, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain thresholds in a cohort of 55 participants experiencing chronic pain using a controlled, randomized trial with 55 participants allocated into 2 groups: 2 mA and 0.5 mA of tsDCS for 20 min. Anodal stimulation was applied on the 12th thoracic vertebra, with the cathode positioned on the 7th cervical vertebra. Pain outcomes were assessed before and post intervention using the VAS and pressure algometry. Between- and within-group differences, along with chi-square tests, were used to determine the differences and responsiveness. Significance was established at p < 0.05. Findings showed significant temporal effects for both VAS (p < 0.001) and pressure algometry (p = 0.04). However, no between-group differences were noted for the time × group factor for VAS (p = 0.46) and pressure algometry (p = 0.78). No significant between-group differences were observed for the responsiveness analysis. The results indicate that a single 20-min session of 2 and 0.5 mA tsDCS improves pain scores for both intensities equally. However, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in pain perception or pressure pain threshold.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is often reported to have positive effects on brain hemodynamics as well as cognitive performance. Binaural beats (BBs) have also shown the potential to improve cognitive performance. However, we could not find any studies assessing prefrontal hemodynamics using a combination of these techniques or assessing the effects on hemodynamic response at different intensity levels of tDCS (two and three mA). This study aimed to compare the immediate hemodynamic responses to tDCS at different intensities (two and three mA) with and without 40 Hz BBs. Sixty-eight healthy young individuals of both sexes were split into four groups: the tDCS 2 mA group; tDCS 3 mA group; tDCS 2 mA + BB group; and tDCS 3 mA + BB group. All groups received 20 min tDCS (F3-Fp2) alone or combined with BBs. The hemodynamic effect was assessed using a functional near-infrared intracranial spectroscope (fNIRS) positioned on the left supraorbital region (Fp1). The mean values of rates of oxygen saturation (SatO2) were recorded at baseline, during the intervention period, and post-stimulation. The oxygenated hemoglobin rates (HbO) were also extracted. No between-group differences were observed. The within-group analysis did not show significant differences in terms of the time×groups factor. However, the time factor showed significant within-group differences. No differences were found for the HbO rates. The present findings showed that two and three mA tDCS had effects on pre-frontal cortex SatO2; however, the use of additional BBs did not change the SatO2 levels compared to the use of tDCS alone.

Despite the recommendation to treat depression using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), novel findings raise doubts over the tDCS’s efficacy in managing depressive episodes. Neurophysiologic approaches to understanding the specificities of brain responses to tDCS in patients with depression remain to be explored. Objective: Our aim was to compare immediate hemodynamic responses to tDCS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; F3-Fp2 montage) in patients with depressive disorder and in controls (no additional stimuli). Methods: Sixteen participants were allocated to the depression group and sixteen to the control group. Both groups received 2 mA tDCS for 20 min, using the F3-Fp2 montage. The hemodynamic effect over the DLPFC was assessed using functional near-infrared intracranial spectroscopy (fNIRS) positioned on the left supraorbital region (Fp1). Mean, minimal, and maximal values of baseline and post-stimulation rates of oxygen saturation (SatO2) were recorded. The oxygenated hemoglobin rates (HbO) were extracted. Results: Between-group differences were detected for minimal baseline rates of SatO2 and HbO levels. The depression group showed lower results compared to the control group at baseline. After the protocol, only the depression group showed increased minimal rates of SatO2 and HbO. The post-tDCS minimal rates were equal for both groups. Conclusions: The findings showed immediate anodal tDCS effects over DLPFC hemodynamics. The effects were exclusive to the lowest baseline rate group and did not affect the normal oxygen rate group. The minimal increase in SatO2 and HbO rates after the protocol in the depression group suggests that those with reduced cerebral perfusion may be more affected by tDCS.