Segmental Vibrator With NMES on Lower Limb Function in Subacute Stroke

The definition of a stroke, as given by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a clinical illness that includes focused disruptions in cerebral functioning that develop quickly and have a vascular origin. Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, rank third in the world in terms of disability and are the second major cause of mortality. A stroke is a major cause of dementia and depression. A stroke is the abrupt death of some brain cells from a lack of oxygen when blood supply to the brain is interrupted by an artery rupturing or blocking the brain. Across the world, low- and middle-income nations account for 70% of stroke cases and 87% of stroke-related fatalities as well as disability-adjusted life years. Patients who have had a stroke often experience a variety of motor disorders, such as dysphagia and dysarthria, imbalance issues, apraxia, sensory deficiencies, abnormal muscle tone, abnormal motor pattern, inadequate weight transfer, lack of fine motor skills, and muscle weakness. After completing their rehabilitation, 50% to 60% of stroke patients still have some degree of motor impairments, and at least 50% of these patients depend on their daily activities. Muscle paresis and spasticity are two of the most prevalent stroke disabilities.

This study aims to explore the effects of combining focal vibration (FV) with electrical neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) on the ankle dorsiflexors in subacute stroke patients. These techniques are relatively new in neurorehabilitation and have shown promise in reducing muscle stiffness and enhancing movement compared to traditional physiotherapy methods. By focusing on the lower limb issues commonly seen after a stroke, we seek to understand how this combination therapy can improve motor function in these patients. The findings of this study could help in developing more effective treatment strategies for stroke survivors dealing with lower limb dysfunction.

Inclusion criteria

• Both male and female patients were included in the study.
• The age range of participants was between 45 and 60 years.
• Participants that were diagnosed with ischemic stroke patient.
• Participants had experienced sub-acute ischemic stroke, specifically 15 days to 12 weeks post-stroke.
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores falling within the range of 18-24 were necessary.
• Modified Ashworth scale scores had to be less than +1
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score falling within the range of 1 to 15 were necessary.
• Participants feel no pain from the vibrator.
• It was anticipated that participants would either be able to give informed consent or have a legal representative who could do so.

Exclusion criteria

• People who had a history of serious neurological or mental conditions that would have impeded lower limb motor recovery-aside from stroke-were not included.
• Individuals with severe arthritis or joint injuries, among other illnesses that would have interfered with treatment or evaluations, were not allowed to participate.
• Individuals who had significant hearing or vision impairments that would have hampered treatment or evaluations were not included.
• Individuals undergoing anti-spatial therapy or other clinical trials, those with bilateral brain lesions, and those with ischemic involvement of the cerebellum or basal ganglia were not allowed to participate.
• Participants having metal implants e. g cardiac pacemaker and skin lesion at the site of stimulation electrodes were excluded.