Background: Stroke is one of the most debilitating diseases among the adults around the world which leads to persistent rehabilitation needs even at chronic stage. Achievement of good postural control is a critical requirement for daily activities which enhances quality of life in patients with stroke. There is increasing evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be considered as a promising adjunct technique to improve motor recovery after stroke. Evidence of augmented neuroplasticity after tDCS suggests that a paired rehabilitation followed by consecutive use of tDCS may optimize recovery outcomes. Although a few RCTs have been conducted on upper limbs rehabilitation in chronic stroke using tDCS, however no study focused on balance training in chronic stroke patients. This randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded clinical study aims to address brain stimulation targeting postural control using tDCS in chronic stroke. Methods: The study participants will be chronic ischemic stroke individuals with postural control impairments who meet no exclusion criteria. Active or sham anodal tDCS will delivered to lesioned leg motor cortex combined with balance training. Experimental group receive active anodal tDCS stimulation (2mA) for 20 min, daily for 5 days paired with balance training. Linear and nonlinear approaches will be used to analyse postural sway changes pre and post-intervention. Postural sway fluctuation, Functional balance assessment using Berg balance scale, Timed Up-and-Go Test will be compared in active and sham groups. Conclusions: This trial could have significant implications for balance rehabilitation after stroke in the ambulatory setting. If found to be effective, this novel approach may improve rehabilitation protocol in this population.
Effects of Virtual Reality–Augmented Balance Training on Sensory Organization and Attentional Demand for Postural Control in People With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial