Efeito da estimulação transcraniana de corrente direta (EETCD) no equilíbrio, após acidente vascular cerebral

Abstract

The first article aimed to create a treatment protocol for post stroke patients, with the aim of improving balance, associating direct current transcranial electrical stimulation with standardized balance training. It is known that in the literature there is still no consensus on the use of Direct Current Transcranial Electric Stimulation, so the design of a protocol would be beneficial for future research and for clinical practice. The second article, presented by the dissertation, was a study that aimed to test its viability as a Pilot. Both were carried out by the physiotherapy in Neuroscience research group at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro. Introduction: Stroke is the biggest cause of disability in the world. It often presents a sequelae of reduced balance, which in turn compromises locomotion. Among the tools used, transcranial direct current stimulation aims to modify cortical excitability and can positively interfere with motor function. Despite promising results, the effect of stimulation on the balance of patients with stroke has not yet been evaluated using specific protocols. Therefore, the aim of this study will be the creation of a rehabilitation protocol involving transcranial stimulation in balance after stroke. Methods: this is a randomized, controlled, double-blind study. 42 patients with chronic stroke will be included. The protocol will consist of the application of 20 minutes of anodic stimulation in one group and 20 minutes of sham stimulation in another, twice a week, followed by 40 minutes of conventional physical therapy. Assessments will be carried out before and after 6 weeks of intervention. As a primary outcome, balance will be assessed. Secondary outcomes will include clinical and functional measures before and after stimulation. The comparison of results between groups will be performed using logistic regression models considering potential confounding factors. Differences will be considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. Discussion/Conclusion: These results should constitute a useful database to determine aspects of balance and how much stimulation can positively interfere, being of fundamental importance to validate this technique as an adjuvant treatment to Physiotherapy.