Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with trunk-targeted, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the foremost cause of death and disability worldwide. Improving upper extremity function and quality of life are two paramount therapeutic targets during rehabilitation. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with trunk-targeted proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of subjects with subacute stroke. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four subjects with subacute stroke were divided into three groups using block randomization. All three groups received rehabilitation sessions lasting 90 min in duration, four times per week, for 6 weeks. Group 1 (n = 18) received conventional physical therapy (CPT); group 2 (n = 18) received CPT, trunk-targeted PNF, and sham tDCS; and group 3 (n = 18) received CPT, trunk-targeted PNF, and bihemispheric motor cortex stimulation with tDCS. Changes in motor impairment, motor activity, and health-related quality of life assessments were outcome measures. RESULTS: A two-way linear mixed model analysis revealed interaction effects (group × time) for all outcome measurements (Trunk Impairment Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after stroke upper extremity subsection, Wolf Motor Function Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale; all p < 0.01 or lower). Overall, post–pre mean differences demonstrate more substantial improvement in the active tDCS group, followed by sham stimulation associated with the PNF group and the group that received CPT alone. CONCLUSION: Trunk-targeted PNF combined with bihemispheric tDCS along with CPT engender larger improvements in upper extremity and trunk impairment, upper limb function, gait speed, and quality of life in the subacute stroke population.