Article

Impaired trunk motor control is common after stroke. Combining
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with task-related trunk
training (TRTT) has been shown to enhance the recovery of lower limb motor
function. Objective. This study investigated whether combining TENS with TRTT
would enhance trunk control after stroke. Methods. Thirty-seven subjects with
stroke were recruited into a randomized controlled clinical trial. Subjects were
randomly assigned to any one of the three 6-week home-based training groups: (1)
TENS + TRTT, (2) placebo TENS + TRTT, or (3) control without active training. The
outcome measures included isometric peak trunk flexion torque and extension
torque; forward seated and lateral seated reaching distance to the affected and
unaffected side; and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) scores. All outcome measures
were assessed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of training, and 4 weeks after
training ended at follow-up. Results. Both the TENS + TRTT and the placebo-TENS +
TRTT groups had significantly greater improvements in isometric peak trunk
flexion torque and extension torque, lateral seated reaching distance to affected
and unaffected side, and TIS score than the control group after 3 weeks of
training. The TENS + TRTT group had significantly greater and earlier improvement
in its mean TIS score than the other 2 groups. Conclusions. Home-based TRTT is
effective for improving trunk muscle strength, sitting functional reach and trunk
motor control after stroke in subjects without somatosensory deficits. The
addition of TENS to the trunk augments the effectiveness of the exercise in terms
of TIS scores within the first 3 weeks of training.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS