Efeito da estimulação transcraniana de corrente contínua (tDCS) em mulheres adultas com excesso de peso

Abstract

Introduction: Neuromodulation by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated as a therapeutic possibility for obesity. It is believed that tDCS can act in cognitive areas related to typical excessive food intake behaviors. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the anode tDCS on the prefrontal cortex right lateral dorsum (CPFDL) in overweight women. Methodology: This was a randomized clinical trial, in which 50 volunteers, divided into two groups (Active [n = 25] and Sham / Control [n = 25]), participated in 10 sessions of the tDCS with a follow-up of 60 days. The anode (excitatory) electrode was placed over the right CPFDL and the cathode (inhibitory) was placed over the left, corresponding to F4 and F3 positions of EEG system 10-20, respectively. Treatment effects were evaluated on: food behavior (food cravings, emotional eating, uncontrolled eating and cognitive restriction); food intake (calories and macronutrients); emotional profile (anxiety, depression and stress); anthropometric and body composition variables (weight, body mass index, conicity index, waist circumference, waist-height ratio and body fat percentage. Results: Statistical analysis indicated no difference between groups, in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, at baseline. Two factor mixed design ANOVA analysis showed no significant interaction between time versus group, in any variables investigated. The tDCS treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse effects in participants who completed the protocol. Conclusion: In the present study, no tDCS effect was observed in women with excessive weight, regarding food behavior and intake, emotional profile or anthropometric variables and body composition. Our findings point to the need for further research, including evaluating other possible brain areas to be modulated in overweight patients.