Frontiers in aging neuroscience
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on gait and balance under dual-task conditions in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
By Bi Y, Ni H, Hou Z and 1 others.
Abstract
Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on gait and balance outcomes measured under dual-task (DT) conditions in older adults.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidance, four databases were searched through October 13, 2025. Random-effects meta-analyses used Hedges' g. Healthy older adults were prespecified as the primary population; clinical populations were analysed separately and mixed-population estimates were treated as exploratory. Multi-arm estimates were consolidated at the study level. Crossover trials used an assumed within-participant correlation (corr) of 0.50, with sensitivity analyses at 0.25 and 0.75. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 and certainty with GRADE.