Objective
Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) and sensory stimulation via transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) have been reported to be effective in improving motor function in stroke patients. We investigate the effects on combination of tDCS and TENS on upper extremity function in stroke patients.
Methods
Patients with post-stroke paralysis and upper limb dysfunction were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Only TENS(Modulated frequency: 70-130Hz, 5 second cycle, 20 minutes) via a conductive glove was applied with the control group. Study group applied tDCS and TENS concurrently. 8 stroke patients in each group were enrolled and received therapies for 4 weeks. Manual muscle test, modified Ashworth scale, box and block test, 9 hole peg test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment and somatosensory evoked potential were used to evaluate the effects of the treatment
Results
Both groups improved in upper limb function score after 4 weeks of treatment. By comparing the two groups, the study group showed more significant improvement than the control group in box and block test, 9 hole peg test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (p<0.05)
Conclusion
It was found that combination of tDCS and TENS is more effective treatment compared to TENS only. We recommend to use both tDCS and TENS. Thus, we suggest to apply the combined therapy to the stroke patients.
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