Authors (including presenting author) :
Siu CH(1), Leung CT(1), Man WK(1), Yu CH(1), Yung WS(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Caritas Medical Centre
Keyword 1: :
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Keyword 2: :
Young Stroke
Keyword 3: :
Upper Limb Motor Function
Introduction :
Young stroke survivors often encounter unique rehabilitation needs particularly impairments in upper limb function throughout the journey. Specified rehabilitation programs addressing upper limb motor recovery is therefore impactful to maximize their rehabilitation potential. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to be an evidence-based therapeutic approach to improve upper limb function by promoting neural plasticity and inducing neuromodulation in motor cortex. Recognizing these benefits, the Geriatric Day Hospital (GDH) of Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) has begun integrating tDCS into its Young Stroke Rehabilitation Program to optimize stroke recovery outcomes and community reintegration.
Objectives :
To enhance physiotherapy service in young stroke rehabilitation and evaluate effects on rehabilitation outcomes (upper limb motor function and handgrip strength) and community reintegration among young stroke survivors.
Methodology :
Starting from June 2023, tDCS was incorporated into GDH Young Stroke Rehabilitation Program. Patients aged 65 or below who suffered from stroke with impaired upper limb motor function, able to follow instructions during training and without contraindications were recruited. tDCS was administered along with personalized exercises per training session. The primary outcome measure is upper limb motor function measured by Short Form of Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale for upper limb (SF-FM). The secondary outcome measures are handgrip strength measured by a dynamometer and the patients’ ability to return to their previous job or role. Pre and post outcome measures were taken and analyzed via two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Result & Outcome :
25 participants aged 57.04±7.66 years old were recruited. They demonstrated significant improvements (p< 0.01) in upper limb motor function as measured by SF-FM (mean from 3.36 to 6.68 out of 12). They also exhibited significant improvements (p< 0.01) in handgrip strength (mean from 6.02 to 11.76kg). 52% of participants returned to their previous roles or jobs. These results illustrate that tDCS with physiotherapy may improve upper limb motor function in young stroke population and facilitate their community integration. This may provide important insights into future clinical practices in advanced young stroke rehabilitation.
