FANIA CRISTINA DOS SANTOS - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by FANIA CRISTINA DOS SANTOS

Research paper thumbnail of Manifestações osteoarticulares de doenças não reumatológicas em idosos

moreirajr.com.br

... A coluna torácica é mais comumente afetada. A dor não costuma ser de severa intensidade(4,5,9... more ... A coluna torácica é mais comumente afetada. A dor não costuma ser de severa intensidade(4,5,9). Figura 1 - 1A) sinal do orador 1B) dedo em gatilho. Figura 2 - Acropaquia tireoidiana. ... Clinical Endocrinology 2003 59:162-167. 7. Fatourechi V, Ahmed DDF, Schwartz ...

Research paper thumbnail of Alterações plantares em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

moreirajr.com.br

... 10. Woodburn J, Helliwell OS. Foot problems in Rheumatology. J Rheumatology 1997; 36(9): 931-... more ... 10. Woodburn J, Helliwell OS. Foot problems in Rheumatology. J Rheumatology 1997; 36(9): 931-934. 11. Mann RA, Horton G. Arthrict deformities of the foot and ankle: conservative and surgical management. In: Koopman WJ. Arthrits and allied conditions. 13ª Ed. Baltmore. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sexuality and chronic pain in long-lived females: description of interferential factors

Revista Dor, 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of chronic pain individuals complain of sexual dysfu... more BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of chronic pain individuals complain of sexual dysfunction, the prevalence of which varies from 20 to 88%. Among sexual complaints most reported by elderly females there are low interest, difficult vaginal lubrication and inability to reach orgasm. This study aimed at checking the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among long-lived females with chronic pain and at describing interfering factors. METHODS:This was a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study with females above 80 years of age. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities and use of drugs, in addition to chronic pain evaluation and measurement and identification of sexual dysfunctions by the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participated in the study 32 elderly females, with mean age of 87 years, most of them widows, with less than 4 years of education, good self-reported health, without sexual partner and with primarily osteoarthritis-induced nociceptive pain.The prevalenceof sexual dysfunctionwasfoundtobe 78% ofelderlywithchronicpainwith a mean score of7. Major reason for sexual inactivity was lack of a partner. In approximately 28.1% it was observed that chronic pain would interfere with sexuality. It was also observed that no elderly female had been previously addressed as to their sexuality, although 68.8% have stated that would have liked to be addressed. CONCLUSION:Chronic pain was considered a factor interfering with sexual practices of studied long-lived females, suggest-Sexuality and chronic pain in long-lived females: description of interferential factors* Sexualidade e dor crônica em idosas longevas: descrição de fatores interferenciais

Research paper thumbnail of Risk factors of pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life in elderly people with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

Heliyon, 2020

Data on the precise mechanisms of the complex interactions of factors related to clinical impact ... more Data on the precise mechanisms of the complex interactions of factors related to clinical impact of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the elderly population remain limited. To find predictors that explain pain intensity, physical function, and quality of life in elderly KOA subjects, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from a randomized trial. The trial included 104 subjects (aged !60) with KOA pain and dysfunctional endogenous pain-inhibitory system activity assessed by conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Three multiple linear regression models were performed to understand the independent predictors of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), WOMAC function subscale (WOMACFunc), and SF-12 physical subscale (SF12-PCS). Model 1 showed that BPI pain score was predicted by low CPM response, high von-Frey light touch threshold, worse radiological severity as indexed by Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KL), high von-Frey punctate pain intensity and high levels of anxiety (adjusted R2 ¼ 27.1%, F (6,95) ¼ 7.27, P < 0.0001). In model 2, von-Frey light touch threshold, KL, depressive symptoms indexed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), level of sleepiness and pain pressure threshold were risk factors for SF12-PCS (adjusted R2 ¼ 31.9%, F (5,96) ¼ 10.5, P < 0.0001). Finally, model 3 showed that WOMACFunc was predicted by BDI, KL and BPI (adjusted R2 ¼ 41%, F (3,98) ¼ 24.42, P < 0.0001). Our data provides an interesting framework to understand the predictors of KOA pain in the elderly and highlights how its related outcomes are affected by disease-specific factors, somatosensory dysfunction and emotional factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Sao Paulo Medical Journal, 2020

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and c... more BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and can be a cause of or be associated with sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep quality of pSS patients and its relationship with fatigue and disease activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical observational study conducted at an exercise psychobiology laboratory. METHODS: Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and actigraphy. Fatigue was evaluated through the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort-Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and a visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-fatigue). Disease activity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). We summarized the data through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 50 female patients with pSS, of average age 56.4 years, were included in the study; 80% presented low disease activity. The total PSQI score showed that 74% had poor sleep. The actigraphy showed mean sleep latency of 26.2 minutes and mean nightly awakening of 48.2 minutes (duration of wakings after sleep onset, WASO). There were correlations between PSQI and VAS-pain, VAS-fatigue, PROFAD-SSI and ESSPRI. Actigraphy showed a correlation between the duration of WASO and ESSDAI. CONCLUSION: The present study provides important information regarding correlations between sleep disorders and disease activity. There is a need for proper control over disease activity and for development of strategies to help patients to sleep better in order to diminish their fatigue. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03130062. Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a cross-sectional study | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Research paper thumbnail of Pain assessment in elderly with dementia: Brazilian validation of the PACSLAC scale

Einstein (São Paulo), 2016

Objective To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communica... more Objective To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese in demented elderly and to analyze its measurement properties. Methods We evaluated 50 elderly with dementia, residing in a nursing home and with limited communication ability, when exposed to potentially painful situations. The tool was applied at two different moments. First, two interviewers applied it simultaneously, and the intensity of pain was asked based on the caregiver’s opinion. After 14 days, with no analgesic intervention, one of the interviewers applied it again. Results The sample comprised more females, aged over 80 years, with dementia due to Alzheimer, presenting musculoskeletal pain of moderate to severe intensity. The psychometric properties of the tool demonstrated appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.827). The scale had excellent reproducibility, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the tool has been...

Research paper thumbnail of Índice Manchester de incapacidade associada ao pé doloroso no idoso: tradução, adaptação cultural e validação para a língua portuguesa

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 2008

Objective: This work aimed to translate into Portuguese, make adaptations, and study the reproduc... more Objective: This work aimed to translate into Portuguese, make adaptations, and study the reproducibility, validation and internal consistency of the parameters of the "Manchester Foot-Pain Disability Index". Methods: The MFPDI was translated and culturally adapted in a population of eighty-five (85) elderly people, living in the city of São Paulo, seen at the outpatient clinics of the .Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia of the Escola Paulista de Medicina. The patients had at least 60 years-old, of either sex, displaying foot pain of at least 30 mm on a visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were evaluated by 3 times by the MFPDI, in such a way that on the first time each patient was evaluated by the interviewers 1 and 2 at the same day; to assess reproducibility, within the next 15 days each patient was evaluated again by the interviewer 1. Validation was verified by checking for social and demographic data, as well as morphological and VAS values. Internal consistency was checked by means of the Cronbach alpha, assessing reproducibility of the answers in the three interviews. Results: The MFPDI index demonstrated that this population presented functional inability associated to foot pain. The internal consistency between interviews was high (Alpha of Cronbach = 0.80). Though presenting a weak correlation, there was a significant validity comparing MFPDI and the VAS (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The translation and cultural adaptation of the MFPDI provide a reproducible, consistent and valuable tool to evaluate foot pain.

Research paper thumbnail of Estudo de seguimento por dois anos de idosos residentes em São Paulo, Brasil: metodologia e resultados preliminares

INTRODUCTION: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a high prevalence of chronic disease an... more INTRODUCTION: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a high prevalence of chronic disease and disability among the elderly. Given Brazil s rapid aging process and the obvious consequences of the growing number of old people with chronic diseases and associated disabilities for the provision of health services, a need was felt for a study that would overcome the limitations of cross-sectional data and shed some light on the main factors determining whether a person will live longer and free of disabling diseases, the so-called successful aging. The methodology of the first follow-up study of elderly residents in Brazil is presented. METHOD: The profile of the initial cohort is compared with previous cross-sectional data and an in-depth analysis of nonresponse is carried out in order to assess the validity of future longitudinal analysis. The EPIDOSO ( Epidemiologia do Idoso ) Study conducted a two-year follow-up of 1,667 elderly people (65+), living in S. Paulo. The study consis...

Research paper thumbnail of Motor cortex Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) improves acute stroke visuo-spatial neglect: A series of four case reports

Brain Stimulation, 2018

Visuospatial neglect remains a relatively misunderstood complication of stroke. Up to 72% of righ... more Visuospatial neglect remains a relatively misunderstood complication of stroke. Up to 72% of right hemispheric strokes present neglect symptoms, and up to 75% of those patients still suffer at the 3-month mark [1]. This leads to marked increases in dependency, and lower functional outcomes [2]. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a new rehabilitation tool that has been gaining popularity in the last two decades [3]. Current research focuses on subacute or chronic strokes, while stimulating the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and seems to have positive effects on visuospatial neglect [4]. Four patients were included in this case report: patient 1, a 74year-old right-handed male patient was admitted at the University hospital's stroke unit with right-sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. Patient 2: a 69-year-old right-handed male patient with right-sided middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. Patient 3: a 73-year-old right-handed male patient with right-sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. Patient 4: a 59-year-old right-handed male patient with right-sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. The patients understood the study, and gave written and oral consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki (1964). The protocol was approved by the University Hospital's ethics committee. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was delivered using standard equipment (Starstim TCS, Barcelona, Spain) following a protocol in which sham and active stimulation sessions were administered in randomized order and double-blind conditions. Treatment began 48h after stroke, following the hospital's protocol to keep patients prone during that time. The patients received 20 minutes of anodal stimulation (anode placed on C4, cathode on FP1 based on the international EEG 10e20 system), using two electrodes covered by saline soaked 25cm 2 sponges, at 2mA daily. For patients 1 and 2, during weeks 1 and 3 patient received 20 minutes of tDCS, whilst during weeks 2 and 4, patient received 20 minutes of placebo (ramping up the current to 2mA over 15 seconds then the device automatically switches off). For patients 3 and 4, during weeks 1 and 3 patient received 20 minutes of placebo, whilst during weeks 2 and 4, patient received 20 minutes of tDCS. During stimulation, the patient was seated in a comfortable position in a calm, quiet and isolated room, and was instructed not perform any activity. In addition to the tDCS or placebo, the patient received 60 minutes of physical therapy (30 minutes of conventional therapy and 30 minutes peddling on a stationary bike), 30 minutes of

Research paper thumbnail of Manifestações osteoarticulares de doenças não reumatológicas em idosos

moreirajr.com.br

... A coluna torácica é mais comumente afetada. A dor não costuma ser de severa intensidade(4,5,9... more ... A coluna torácica é mais comumente afetada. A dor não costuma ser de severa intensidade(4,5,9). Figura 1 - 1A) sinal do orador 1B) dedo em gatilho. Figura 2 - Acropaquia tireoidiana. ... Clinical Endocrinology 2003 59:162-167. 7. Fatourechi V, Ahmed DDF, Schwartz ...

Research paper thumbnail of Alterações plantares em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

moreirajr.com.br

... 10. Woodburn J, Helliwell OS. Foot problems in Rheumatology. J Rheumatology 1997; 36(9): 931-... more ... 10. Woodburn J, Helliwell OS. Foot problems in Rheumatology. J Rheumatology 1997; 36(9): 931-934. 11. Mann RA, Horton G. Arthrict deformities of the foot and ankle: conservative and surgical management. In: Koopman WJ. Arthrits and allied conditions. 13ª Ed. Baltmore. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sexuality and chronic pain in long-lived females: description of interferential factors

Revista Dor, 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of chronic pain individuals complain of sexual dysfu... more BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of chronic pain individuals complain of sexual dysfunction, the prevalence of which varies from 20 to 88%. Among sexual complaints most reported by elderly females there are low interest, difficult vaginal lubrication and inability to reach orgasm. This study aimed at checking the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among long-lived females with chronic pain and at describing interfering factors. METHODS:This was a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study with females above 80 years of age. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities and use of drugs, in addition to chronic pain evaluation and measurement and identification of sexual dysfunctions by the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participated in the study 32 elderly females, with mean age of 87 years, most of them widows, with less than 4 years of education, good self-reported health, without sexual partner and with primarily osteoarthritis-induced nociceptive pain.The prevalenceof sexual dysfunctionwasfoundtobe 78% ofelderlywithchronicpainwith a mean score of7. Major reason for sexual inactivity was lack of a partner. In approximately 28.1% it was observed that chronic pain would interfere with sexuality. It was also observed that no elderly female had been previously addressed as to their sexuality, although 68.8% have stated that would have liked to be addressed. CONCLUSION:Chronic pain was considered a factor interfering with sexual practices of studied long-lived females, suggest-Sexuality and chronic pain in long-lived females: description of interferential factors* Sexualidade e dor crônica em idosas longevas: descrição de fatores interferenciais

Research paper thumbnail of Risk factors of pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life in elderly people with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

Heliyon, 2020

Data on the precise mechanisms of the complex interactions of factors related to clinical impact ... more Data on the precise mechanisms of the complex interactions of factors related to clinical impact of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the elderly population remain limited. To find predictors that explain pain intensity, physical function, and quality of life in elderly KOA subjects, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from a randomized trial. The trial included 104 subjects (aged !60) with KOA pain and dysfunctional endogenous pain-inhibitory system activity assessed by conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Three multiple linear regression models were performed to understand the independent predictors of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), WOMAC function subscale (WOMACFunc), and SF-12 physical subscale (SF12-PCS). Model 1 showed that BPI pain score was predicted by low CPM response, high von-Frey light touch threshold, worse radiological severity as indexed by Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KL), high von-Frey punctate pain intensity and high levels of anxiety (adjusted R2 ¼ 27.1%, F (6,95) ¼ 7.27, P < 0.0001). In model 2, von-Frey light touch threshold, KL, depressive symptoms indexed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), level of sleepiness and pain pressure threshold were risk factors for SF12-PCS (adjusted R2 ¼ 31.9%, F (5,96) ¼ 10.5, P < 0.0001). Finally, model 3 showed that WOMACFunc was predicted by BDI, KL and BPI (adjusted R2 ¼ 41%, F (3,98) ¼ 24.42, P < 0.0001). Our data provides an interesting framework to understand the predictors of KOA pain in the elderly and highlights how its related outcomes are affected by disease-specific factors, somatosensory dysfunction and emotional factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Sao Paulo Medical Journal, 2020

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and c... more BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and can be a cause of or be associated with sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep quality of pSS patients and its relationship with fatigue and disease activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical observational study conducted at an exercise psychobiology laboratory. METHODS: Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and actigraphy. Fatigue was evaluated through the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort-Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and a visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-fatigue). Disease activity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). We summarized the data through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 50 female patients with pSS, of average age 56.4 years, were included in the study; 80% presented low disease activity. The total PSQI score showed that 74% had poor sleep. The actigraphy showed mean sleep latency of 26.2 minutes and mean nightly awakening of 48.2 minutes (duration of wakings after sleep onset, WASO). There were correlations between PSQI and VAS-pain, VAS-fatigue, PROFAD-SSI and ESSPRI. Actigraphy showed a correlation between the duration of WASO and ESSDAI. CONCLUSION: The present study provides important information regarding correlations between sleep disorders and disease activity. There is a need for proper control over disease activity and for development of strategies to help patients to sleep better in order to diminish their fatigue. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03130062. Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a cross-sectional study | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Research paper thumbnail of Pain assessment in elderly with dementia: Brazilian validation of the PACSLAC scale

Einstein (São Paulo), 2016

Objective To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communica... more Objective To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese in demented elderly and to analyze its measurement properties. Methods We evaluated 50 elderly with dementia, residing in a nursing home and with limited communication ability, when exposed to potentially painful situations. The tool was applied at two different moments. First, two interviewers applied it simultaneously, and the intensity of pain was asked based on the caregiver’s opinion. After 14 days, with no analgesic intervention, one of the interviewers applied it again. Results The sample comprised more females, aged over 80 years, with dementia due to Alzheimer, presenting musculoskeletal pain of moderate to severe intensity. The psychometric properties of the tool demonstrated appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.827). The scale had excellent reproducibility, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the tool has been...

Research paper thumbnail of Índice Manchester de incapacidade associada ao pé doloroso no idoso: tradução, adaptação cultural e validação para a língua portuguesa

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 2008

Objective: This work aimed to translate into Portuguese, make adaptations, and study the reproduc... more Objective: This work aimed to translate into Portuguese, make adaptations, and study the reproducibility, validation and internal consistency of the parameters of the "Manchester Foot-Pain Disability Index". Methods: The MFPDI was translated and culturally adapted in a population of eighty-five (85) elderly people, living in the city of São Paulo, seen at the outpatient clinics of the .Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia of the Escola Paulista de Medicina. The patients had at least 60 years-old, of either sex, displaying foot pain of at least 30 mm on a visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were evaluated by 3 times by the MFPDI, in such a way that on the first time each patient was evaluated by the interviewers 1 and 2 at the same day; to assess reproducibility, within the next 15 days each patient was evaluated again by the interviewer 1. Validation was verified by checking for social and demographic data, as well as morphological and VAS values. Internal consistency was checked by means of the Cronbach alpha, assessing reproducibility of the answers in the three interviews. Results: The MFPDI index demonstrated that this population presented functional inability associated to foot pain. The internal consistency between interviews was high (Alpha of Cronbach = 0.80). Though presenting a weak correlation, there was a significant validity comparing MFPDI and the VAS (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The translation and cultural adaptation of the MFPDI provide a reproducible, consistent and valuable tool to evaluate foot pain.

Research paper thumbnail of Estudo de seguimento por dois anos de idosos residentes em São Paulo, Brasil: metodologia e resultados preliminares

INTRODUCTION: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a high prevalence of chronic disease an... more INTRODUCTION: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a high prevalence of chronic disease and disability among the elderly. Given Brazil s rapid aging process and the obvious consequences of the growing number of old people with chronic diseases and associated disabilities for the provision of health services, a need was felt for a study that would overcome the limitations of cross-sectional data and shed some light on the main factors determining whether a person will live longer and free of disabling diseases, the so-called successful aging. The methodology of the first follow-up study of elderly residents in Brazil is presented. METHOD: The profile of the initial cohort is compared with previous cross-sectional data and an in-depth analysis of nonresponse is carried out in order to assess the validity of future longitudinal analysis. The EPIDOSO ( Epidemiologia do Idoso ) Study conducted a two-year follow-up of 1,667 elderly people (65+), living in S. Paulo. The study consis...

Research paper thumbnail of Motor cortex Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) improves acute stroke visuo-spatial neglect: A series of four case reports

Brain Stimulation, 2018

Visuospatial neglect remains a relatively misunderstood complication of stroke. Up to 72% of righ... more Visuospatial neglect remains a relatively misunderstood complication of stroke. Up to 72% of right hemispheric strokes present neglect symptoms, and up to 75% of those patients still suffer at the 3-month mark [1]. This leads to marked increases in dependency, and lower functional outcomes [2]. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a new rehabilitation tool that has been gaining popularity in the last two decades [3]. Current research focuses on subacute or chronic strokes, while stimulating the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and seems to have positive effects on visuospatial neglect [4]. Four patients were included in this case report: patient 1, a 74year-old right-handed male patient was admitted at the University hospital's stroke unit with right-sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. Patient 2: a 69-year-old right-handed male patient with right-sided middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. Patient 3: a 73-year-old right-handed male patient with right-sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. Patient 4: a 59-year-old right-handed male patient with right-sided posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction and presented left visuo-spatial neglect. The patients understood the study, and gave written and oral consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki (1964). The protocol was approved by the University Hospital's ethics committee. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was delivered using standard equipment (Starstim TCS, Barcelona, Spain) following a protocol in which sham and active stimulation sessions were administered in randomized order and double-blind conditions. Treatment began 48h after stroke, following the hospital's protocol to keep patients prone during that time. The patients received 20 minutes of anodal stimulation (anode placed on C4, cathode on FP1 based on the international EEG 10e20 system), using two electrodes covered by saline soaked 25cm 2 sponges, at 2mA daily. For patients 1 and 2, during weeks 1 and 3 patient received 20 minutes of tDCS, whilst during weeks 2 and 4, patient received 20 minutes of placebo (ramping up the current to 2mA over 15 seconds then the device automatically switches off). For patients 3 and 4, during weeks 1 and 3 patient received 20 minutes of placebo, whilst during weeks 2 and 4, patient received 20 minutes of tDCS. During stimulation, the patient was seated in a comfortable position in a calm, quiet and isolated room, and was instructed not perform any activity. In addition to the tDCS or placebo, the patient received 60 minutes of physical therapy (30 minutes of conventional therapy and 30 minutes peddling on a stationary bike), 30 minutes of