Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation vs Pilates Core Training in Stroke

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · Mar 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different treatments to see which one helps stroke patients improve their walking and balance more effectively. The treatments being compared are transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which is a method that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain, and Pilates-based core stability training, which focuses on strengthening the core muscles. Patients will be divided into three groups: one group will receive the tDCS along with regular physical therapy, another group will do Pilates exercises with regular therapy, and the third group will only receive standard physical therapy.

To participate in this trial, you should be between 50 and 60 years old, have had a stroke at least eight weeks ago, and be able to stand or walk, even with some help. You also need to have a specific level of stroke severity and cognitive ability to take part. If you join the study, you can expect to attend 18 sessions over six weeks, where you will either do the Pilates exercises or receive the brain stimulation, along with your regular therapy sessions. This trial is currently looking for participants, and understanding which treatment works better could help improve rehabilitation for future stroke patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients diagnosed with either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke for the first time, with an onset of more than eight weeks
• • Their age should be 50-60 years old.
• • Patients of a minor (1-4) to moderate (5-15) national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) score.
• • Sufficient cognitive ability to participate, as indicated by Mini-mental state examination score of 21 or higher.
• • ambulatory before stroke
• • ability to stand or walk with or without assistance
• • mild to moderate spasticity (MAS scale less than grade 3)
• • hemodynamically stable
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of seizures.
• • Patients with Any medical metal devices incompatible with transcranial direct current stimulation (e.g. pacemaker).
• • Bi-hemispheric or multifocal stroke.
• • any other neurological pathology affecting balance (cerebellar or brain stem lesions, impaired vision, visual field defect or hemineglect)
• • Premorbid neurological impairment prior to onset of stroke.
• • Co-morbidities impairing the motor function such as fracture or deformity.
• • Medically unstable.
• • Mental and cognitive impairment.