EFFECT OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION ON GAIT OF STROKE PATIENTS

Research Abstract

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) on selected gait kinematics in stroke patients. Thirty male patients suffered from hemiparesis due to cerebrovascular stroke participated in this study . patients were recruited from Outpatient Cinic ,Faculty of Physical Therapy ,Cairo University. The patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups : the study group (Group A) and the control group (group B). The patients in the study group received Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation and selected physical therapy program in form of : stretching exercises for affected lower limb , strenghting exercises for weak upper limb muscles , strengthening exercises for weak lower limb muscles ,balance training ,weight bearing shifting exercises and gait training between parallel bar. The patient in the control group received the same selected physical therapy program only. The treatment program was conducted for four weeks (every other day). Data obtained from both groups pre and post treatment regarding walking speed ,step cycle,step length, time on each foot,ambulation index and time up and go test were statistically analyzed and compared. Results of this study revealed that: there was a significant increase in walking speed,step cycle,step length of the affected and non affected side, percent of time on the foot of the affected and non affectecd and ambulation index of both groups (A&B) post treatment compared to pre treatment value .results of this study also revealed that there significant decrease of time up and go test score of both groups (A&B) post treatment compared to pretreatment value. The improvement in gait parameters post treatment was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION In view of the results of this study , it can be concluded that transcranial direct current stimulation had a benfical effect on slelected gait kinematics in stroke patients,so it is recommended to be added to the physical therapy program for the stroke patients who had gait problems.

Research Keywords

EFFECT OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION ON GAIT OF STROKE PATIENTS