Prathum T, Piriyaprasarth P, Aneksan B, Hiengkaew V, Pankhaew T, Vachalathiti R, Klomjai W. Effects of home-based dual-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation combined with exercise on upper and lower limb motor performance in patients with chronic stroke.
Disabil Rehabil 2021;
44:3868-3879. [PMID:
33645368 DOI:
10.1080/09638288.2021.1891464]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
This study aimed to determine the effects of home-based dual-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (dual-tDCS) combined with exercise on motor performance in patients with chronic stroke.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We allocated 24 participants to the active or sham group. They completed 1-h home-based exercise after 20-min dual-tDCS at 2-mA, thrice a week for 4 weeks. The patients were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test, Timed Up and Go test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Six-meter Walk Test, and muscle strength assessment.
RESULTS
Compared with the sham group, the active group showed improved FMA scores, which were sustained for at least 1 month. There was no between-group difference in the outcomes of the functional tasks.
CONCLUSION
Home-based dual-tDCS could facilitate motor recovery in patients with chronic stroke with its effect lasting for at least 1 month. However, its effects on functional tasks remain unclear. tDCS is safe and easy for home-based self-administration for patients who can use their paretic arms. This could benefit patients without access to health care centres or in situations requiring physical distancing. This home-based tDCS combined with exercise has the potential to be incorporated into telemedicine in stroke rehabilitation.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTwelve sessions of home-based dual-tDCS combined with exercises (3 days/week for 4 weeks) facilitated upper and lower limb motor recovery in patients with chronic stroke compared with exercise alone, with a post-effect for at least 1 month.Home-based tDCS could be safe and easily self-administrable by patients who can use their paretic arms.This intervention could be beneficial for patients living in the community without easy access to a health care centre or in situations where physical distancing is required.
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