ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effect of combining contralateral high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with biofeedback-controlled empty swallowing training on dysphagia among stroke survivors.Methods:Eighty dysphagic stroke survivors were divided at random into a control group, a biofeedback group, an rTMS group and a combined treatment group, each of 20. In addition to routine dysphagia rehabilitation, the biofeedback group and the rTMS group received empty swallowing training based on biofeedback or high-frequency rTMS applied to the healthy motor cortex as appropriate. The combined treatment group was given both. The treatment was administered once daily, 5 days a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Before and after the treatment, all of the subjects′ swallowing was evaluated using the penetration aspiration scale (PAS), functional oral intake scale (FOIS) and a standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). The latency and amplitude of the mylohyoid muscle′s motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also recorded before and after the treatment.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average PAS, FOIS and SSA scores as well as in the latency and amplitude of the MEPs in the four groups. The average results in the combined treatment group were significantly better than in the other 3 groups. The latency of the mylohyoid muscle′s MEP was significantly shorter in the combined group than in the control and biofeedback groups on average, while the amplitude was significantly greater than in the control group.Conclusion:Combining contralateral high frequency rTMS with empty swallowing training based on biofeedback can better improve the swallowing of dysphagic stroke survivors.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To seek any differential effect of combining repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with a modified version of constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on the walking ability of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors were randomly divided into a sham rTMS group, an rTMS group and a combined group, each of 25. In addition to 40 minutes of routine rehabilitation daily, including balance training, transfer training, muscle strength training, and proprioceptive training five times a week for 4 weeks, the sham rTMS group and rTMS group received sham or genuine rTMS. The combined group received 20 minutes of rTMS followed by mCIMT training 30 minutes later. The treatment was performed once a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, all groups were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment, the Berg balance scale, a 10-metre walk test and the modified Barthel index.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average scores of all three groups in all of the assessments. The combined group′s averages were, however, significantly better than those of the other two groups.Conclusion:Supplementing mCIMT with rTMS can better improve the walking and other abilities in the activities of daily living of stroke survivors.
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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of modulated medium frequency current therapy (MMFCT) combined with infrared therapy on patients of acute facial neuritis. Methods A total of forty-six patients with acute facial neuritis were divided into two groups (observation group and control group) randomly and medially. Every patient received medication. Meanwhile, observation group received MMFCT and infrared therapy. Before the treatment, and after two and four weeks of treatment, Portmann scale were used to evaluate the autonomic movements of the facial expression muscles on both sides. After 4 weeks of treatment, the outcome was evaluated by House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system. Results There were no significant differences in Portmann scales before treatment between two groups. Portmann scales were higher in observation group than those of control group after two and four weeks of treatment (P<0.05). With the duration of treatment, Portmann scales were increased successively in two groups. The significant difference was found in multiple comparisons between groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, the efficacy was significant in the observation group, compared with control group, the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Modulated medium frequency current therapy combined with infrared therapy have a better effect than isolated medication.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of the 8-word bandage on the walking ability of stroke patients with knee hyperextension. Methods Fifty patients with stroke combined with knee hyperextension were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 25 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional methods, including Bobath technology, Brunnstrom therapy and motor relearning primarily rehabilitation training. In addition to the conventional methods, patients in the observation group used 8-word bandage to fix knee joint in walking training. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, Holden walking function classification, 10-meter maximum walking speed and improved Barthel index were adopted to evaluate the walking ability, maximum walking speed and the life ability of the patients. Results There were no significant differences in the scores before treatment between the two groups. The Holden walking function classification, the 10-meter maximum walking speed and the Barthel index scores were significantly improved after 8-week treatment in both two groups (P<0.05), and patient conditions were more significantly improved in the observation group than those of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Using 8-word bandage to fix knee joint can significantly improve knee hyperextension in patients with stroke, so as to improve the walking ability and activities of daily living.