Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired With Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for Chronic Stroke: Real-World Implementation and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Stroke frequently results in upper extremity motor deficits.
• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation shows promise for improving motor function.
• Real-world implementation data is crucial for clinical adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the real-world implementation and functional outcomes of a paired vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) program for stroke patients.
• To assess the feasibility of integrating paired VNS therapy into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A case series involving 35 chronic ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe upper extremity deficits.
• Participants received VNS paired with occupational therapy for at least 6 weeks, including clinic-based and home-based sessions.
• Functional outcomes were measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Box and Block Test.

Main Results:

• 80% of participants showed clinically meaningful improvement in upper extremity function (FMA-UE score increase of ≥6 points).
• Significant improvements were observed in the Box and Block Test, though fewer participants met the minimal detectable change.
• High rates of therapist training (84%) and clinic readiness (100%) were achieved within two years.

Conclusions:

• Paired VNS therapy, combined with rehabilitation, led to significant functional gains in stroke survivors in a real-world setting.
• The study supports the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing paired VNS programs in clinical practice.
• Findings align with previous trial results, reinforcing VNS as a viable adjunct therapy for post-stroke motor recovery.