The effect of non-invasive brain stimulation on rehabilitation after 24-hour wrist immobilization measured by muscle strength and corticospinal excitability – a randomized controlled

Immobilization is a vital part of recovery after bone fractures. It is especially crucial to prevent malunion, which can significantly impair arm and hand function, affecting daily activities. Distal radius fractures make up about one-third of all fractures and are common in both young and older people. Non-surgical treatment for these fractures usually involves at least four weeks of wrist immobilization. However, immobilizing the wrist can cause changes in tendons, ligaments, and muscles, leading to decreased wrist and hand function and prolonged rehabilitation. The most frequent issues caused by immobilization include stiffness and capsular tightness, which reduces range of motion, and carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting in pain and median nerve dysfunction. Several studies indicate that even short-term immobilization (8-72 hours) can influence M1 excitability and motor skills. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that can alter corticospinal excitability by increasing neuronal responsiveness and has been shown to improve upper limb motor function in stroke patients. This project aims to investigate if the known benefits of anodal tDCS may be used to negate the impairment effects of wrist immobilization and prevent or alleviate the reduction of corticospinal excitability and loss of muscle strength, which is commonly found in patients with distal radial fractures