Evaluation of the effectiveness of using broadband modulation currents in medical rehabilitation of patients after acute cerebrovascular accident

Abstract

To study the effect of broadband modulation currents on the manifestations of spasticity and on cognitive functions in patients after an ischemic stroke in the late recovery period. The article presents data on the effectiveness of the use of broadband modulation currents in the late recovery period of medical rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke. The study included 80 patients who underwent ischemic stroke with movement disorders in the form of hemiparesis and increased muscle tone by the type of spasticity in the late recovery period. Control group patients (40 people) underwent standard drug therapy and medical rehabilitation, patients of the main group (40 people) received broadband modulation currents against the background of standard drug therapy and medical rehabilitation. The severity of spasticity and impaired motor function of the arm and leg was assessed according to the modified Ashfort Spasticity Scale (MAS) and goniometry parameters; the analysis of indicators of impairment of cognitive functions according to the data of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) was carried out. After the course of treatment in patients of the main group, at all control points, there was a statistically significant positive dynamics of a decrease in spasticity, both in the proximal and in the distal parts of the upper limb, according to the modified Ashforth Spasticity Scale (MAS), while in the patients of the control group, only positive trend. After the course of treatment, a significant advantage of the influence of the developed method on cognitive impairment of functions in patients of the main group, who received broadband modulation currents, was revealed. This was confirmed by the increase in the total indicator of the MoCA scale to 26.7±0.6 points, which corresponded to the reference values. In patients of the control group, less pronounced results were obtained, the total indicator of the MoCA scale was 25.1±1.0 points, which was below the norm. The data obtained indicate that the inclusion of broadband modulation currents in the medical rehabilitation program contributes to a significant decrease in the severity of spasticity, increases the range of motion in the affected limb, and has a positive effect on the cognitive functions of patients.