Bilateral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Improves Lower-Limb Motor Function in Subjects With Chronic...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can enhance task-oriented training (TOT) efficacy post-stroke.
• Bilateral interventions show promise for improving motor function after stroke.
• Chronic stroke patients often experience persistent motor deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of bilateral TENS + TOT versus unilateral TENS + TOT.
• To assess improvements in lower-limb motor function in chronic stroke.
• To determine the optimal TENS application for stroke rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Eighty chronic stroke subjects were randomized into bilateral TENS+TOT or unilateral TENS+TOT groups.
• Training involved 20 sessions over 10 weeks, with assessments at baseline, post-training, and 3-month follow-up.
• Outcome measures included muscle strength, motor coordination, balance, and functional mobility tests.

Main Results:

• The bilateral TENS+TOT group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in paretic ankle dorsiflexion strength.
• The bilateral TENS+TOT group showed a significant reduction in the Timed Up and Go test completion time.
• No significant differences were observed in other measured outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral TENS applied over the common peroneal nerve combined with TOT is superior to unilateral TENS with TOT.
• This approach enhances paretic ankle dorsiflexion strength and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test).
• Findings suggest bilateral TENS is a valuable adjunct for specific motor impairments in chronic stroke.