Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Taping for Stroke Rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is a factor that impairs the independent functional ability of stroke patients, and noninvasive methods such as electrical stimulation or taping have been reported to have antispastic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with taping on spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. METHODS: From July to October 2020, 46 stroke patients with moderate spasticity in the plantar flexors participated and were randomly assigned to the TENS group (n = 23) and the TENS+taping group (n = 23). All subjects performed a total of 30 sessions of functional training for 30 min/session, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. For therapeutic exercise, sit-to-standing, indoor walking, and stair walking were performed for 10 min each. In addition, all participants in both groups received TENS stimulation around the peroneal nerve for 30 min before performing functional training. In the TENS+taping group, taping was additionally applied to the feet, ankles, and shin area after TENS, and the taping was replaced once a day. The composite spasticity score and handheld dynamometer measurements were used to assess the intensity of spasticity and muscle strength, respectively. Gait ability was measured using a 10 m walk test. RESULTS: The spasticity score and muscle strength were significantly improved in the TENS+taping group compared to those in the TENS group (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in gait speed was observed in the TENS+taping group relative to that in the TENS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, TENS combined with taping may be useful in improving spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. Based on these results, an additional application of taping could be used to enhance the antispastic effect of TENS or other electrical stimulation treatments in the clinic. A long-term follow-up study is needed to determine whether the spasticity relieving effect persists after taping is removed.

Effects of Weight-shifting Exercise Combined with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Muscle Activity and Trunk Control in Patients with Stroke.

This study investigated the effects of weight-shifting exercise (WSE) combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), applied to the erector spinae and external oblique (EO) muscles, on muscle activity and trunk control in patients with hemiparetic stroke. Sixty patients with stroke were recruited to this study and randomly distributed into three treatment groups: (1) WSE + TENS, (2) WSE + placebo TENS, and (3) control. All participants underwent 30 sessions of training (30 minutes five times per week for 6 weeks) and received 1 hour of conventional physical therapy five times per week for 6 weeks. Muscle activity, maximum reaching distance and trunk impairment scale scores were assessed in all patients before and after the training. After training, the WSE + TENS group showed significant increase in the EO activity, maximum reaching distance and trunk impairment scale scores compared with the WSE + placebo TENS and control groups. These findings suggest that WSE with TENS applied to the erector spinae and EO muscles increased the trunk muscle activity and improved trunk control. Therefore, WSE with TENS could be a beneficial intervention in clinical settings for individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.