Combining transcranial direct current stimulation with hand robotic rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients: a double blind randomized clinical trial.
Am J Phys Med Rehabil
; 2024 Feb 06.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38363693
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to assess the impact of combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with end-effector robot-assisted treatment (RAT) on upper limb function, spasticity, and hand dexterity in chronic stroke patients.DESIGN:
This was a prospective, double-blind randomized trial with 20 equally allocated stroke patients. The experimental group received dual-tDCS (anode over affected M1, cathode over contralateral M1) alongside RAT, while the control group received sham tDCS with the same electrode placement + RAT. Each patient underwent 20 combined tDCS and RAT sessions. The primary outcome measure was the Fugl Meyer Upper Limb motor score (mFM-UL), with secondary outcomes including AMADEO® kinematic measures, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-rehabilitation, and three months later.RESULTS:
Combining bilateral tDCS with RAT did not yield additional improvements in mFM-UL, FIM, or ARAT scores among stroke patients. However, the real tDCS group showed enhanced finger flexion in the affected hand based on AMADEO® kinematic measures.CONCLUSION:
The addition of tDCS to RAT did not result in significant overall functional improvements in chronic stroke patients. However, a benefit was observed in finger flexion of the affected hand.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Phys Med Rehabil
Journal subject:
MEDICINA FISICA
/
REABILITACAO
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Publication country:
EEUU
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMERICA
/
EUA
/
UNITED STATES
/
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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US
/
USA