BLDE University Journal of Health Sciences (Jan 2023)
Combined effect of anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in participants with subacute and chronic stroke – A pilot study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a common sequel following stroke, with motor deficits persisting, particularly in the upper extremity than the lower, with an inadequate rate of recovery, resulting in gradual functional restriction in activities of daily living (ADLs), affecting the quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are known to be painless and noninvasive central and peripheral neuromodulation methods, which are widely employed therapeutically. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the combined effect of anodal-tDCS and TENS along with conventional therapy (CT) on upper limb motor function and ADLs in subacute and chronic stroke patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten individuals (aged 40–65) were randomized to receive either conventional or interventional therapy (Anodal-tDCS and TENS) for 20 sessions, five times/week for 4 weeks. The Fugl–Meyer UE evaluation, wolf motor function test, Perdue Pegboard Test, and Durouz Hand Index examined upper limb motor functions, hand dexterity, and ADLs. The institutional Ethics Committee authorized this study (CTRI/2022/02/040508). RESULTS: Results were analyzed using the Student's t-test, where a P < 0.05 was determined statistically significant. The within-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference for all tests in both the groups, whereas the between-group comparison failed to produce any statistically significant results; however, clinically significant results were observed in reducing spasticity. CONCLUSION: The combined effect of anodal-tDCS and TENS did not potentiate CT in improving motor function in participants with subacute and chronic stroke.
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