TRANSSPINAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN POST-STROKE PATIENTS

It is an easy-to-use clinical tool that assesses functional mobility. It consists of measuring the time in which an individual is able to get up from a chair, walk for three meters, turn around, go back and sit down again. The test will be carried out three consecutive times, with a 1-minute interval between each attempt, and the value adopted will be the average time (in seconds) taken to carry out the three attempts. It will be measured before starting treatment, immediately afterwards, 15 and 30 days after the end of treatment.

The Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) serves as a parameter for monitoring gait progress during rehabilitation, categorically. It also makes it possible to assess the ability to walk for at least three meters on flat and uneven surfaces, as well as analyzing the ability to walk on ramps and up and down steps. The scale is scored from 1 (non-functional) to 6 (independent on level and uneven surfaces), i.e. the higher the score, the better the outcome. It will be measured before starting treatment, immediately afterwards, 15 and 30 days after the end of treatment.

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale is a quantitative instrument used to assess sensorimotor rehabilitation after stroke. Sections E and F, referring to the lower limb, will be used, with a maximum total score of 34 points, and higher scores reflecting better outcomes. It will be measured before starting treatment, immediately afterwards, 15 and 30 days after the end of treatment.

The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test is a validated scale capable of evaluating balance in patients with neurological disorders. It consists of 14 items and higher scores imply better outcomes. It will be measured before starting treatment, immediately afterwards, 15 and 30 days after the end of treatment.

The modified Ashworth scale is a 6-point ordinal scale that grades the resistance encountered during passive muscle stretching, with higher values representing worse outcomes. It will be applied to the following joints: hip (flexion, extension, abduction and adduction); knee (flexion and extension) and ankle (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion). It will be measured before starting treatment, immediately afterwards, 15 and 30 days after the end of treatment.

The Patient Global Impression of Change Scale is a scale where individuals rate their improvement related to the intervention they have undergone and its score ranges from 1 (no change) to 7 (much better). It will be applied by a researcher not involved in the study, only at the re-evaluation, as it aims to assess the patient perception of improvement after the intervention.