Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Physiotherapy on Gait Pattern, Balance, and Functionality in Stroke Patients. A Systematic Review

Diagnostics

Samuel Jiménez-Jiménez¹  Víctor Navarro-López²  Francisco Molina-Rueda³  IsabelM Alguacil-Diego³  María Carratalá-Tejada³ 

[1] Clinical Director at Texum Rehabilitation Center, 28821 Madrid, Spain;International Doctoral School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain;Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain;

关键词: gait disorders;    neurologic;    physical therapy modalities;    postural balance;    stroke;    transcranial direct current stimulation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/diagnostics11040656

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: The effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) together with conventional physiotherapy in motor rehabilitation after stroke has been widely studied. Despite this, few studies have focused on its application in gait and balance rehabilitation. This review aimed to determine the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with conventional physiotherapy on gait, balance, and the functionality of the lower limb after stroke. Methods: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant articles. Randomized clinical trials in English or Spanish that evaluated the use of the transcranial direct current stimulation, combined with physiotherapy, to improve gait, balance, and lower limb functionality after stroke were included. Main results: 10 articles were included, with a total of 222 subjects. Data about population, assessment tools, protocols, sessions, and results were extracted. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged between 3 and 5. Conclusion: The use of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physiotherapy improves gait parameters, static and dynamic balance, and lower limb functionality in stroke patients. Long-term effects have not yet been demonstrated.

【 授权许可】

Unknown