Data Sheet 1_Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on gait and balance under dual-task conditions in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.docx

The forest plots present exploratory mixed-population estimates: dual-task gait speed was not significantly improved (Hedges’ g = 0.071, 95% CI -0.199 to 0.340; p = 0.607), whereas the dual-task cost (DTC) of gait speed was reduced (Hedges’ g = −0.362, 95% CI -0.538 to −0.185; p < 0.001). Exploratory reductions were also observed for DTC of sway speed, sway area, and DTC of sway area. In the prespecified healthy-older-adult primary analysis, gait speed (Hedges’ g = 0.200, 95% CI 0.017 to 0.383; p = 0.032) and its DTC (Hedges’ g = −0.368, 95% CI -0.557 to −0.179; p < 0.001) favoured tDCS.

The gait-speed result was sensitive to the assumed crossover correlation, whereas gait-speed DTC remained significant across correlation assumptions.</p>Conclusion<p>In healthy older adults, tDCS may improve gait speed and reduce its dual-task cost, but the gait-speed inference depends on the assumed crossover correlation and both estimates are based on only two studies. Evidence for other gait, variability, mobility, and standing-balance outcomes was inconclusive or could not be pooled within the healthy population.

Evidence regarding falls, long-term benefit, and safety remains insufficient.</p>Systematic review registration<p>crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251206965, PROSPERO Unique Identifier: CRD420251206965.</p>