Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with motor imagery therapy on upper limbs function of stroke survivors

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with motor imagery therapy on the function of upper limbs of stroke survivors. Methods Ninety-four stroke patients were randomized into a routine group (n=31), a motor imagery group (n=31), and a combination group (n=32). All the patients received basic routine rehabilitation therapy, while the routine group accepted traditional occupational therapy, the motor imagery group accepted motor imagery therapy, and the combination group accepted tDCS and motor imagery therapy. The upper limb function of the patients was assessed using Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) of upper extremities, the Hong Kong version of functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity (FTHUE) and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after 8-week treatment. Results The average FMA of the combination group and motor imagery group were (37.81±12.80) and (31.39±15.62), respectively, both significantly higher than that of the routine group (27.61±14.90). The average FTHUE of the combination group and motor imagery group was both significantly higher than that of the routine group. Moreover, the average MBI of the combination group and motor imagery group were (57.78±7.73) and (51.87±9.31), respectively, both significantly higher than that of the routine group (45.19±9.07) (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion tDCS combined with motor imagery therapy can significantly improve the upper limb function of stroke patients, significantly superior to tDCS or motor imagery therapy solely. Key words: Transcranial direct current stimulation; Motor imagery therapy; Function; Upper limb; Stroke