Post-stroke depression (PSD) refers to a series of affective disorder syndrome characterized by low mood and lack of interest after stroke, often accompanied by physical symptoms, which is a common complication of stroke. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have been widely used in the treatment of PSD in recent years. This article summarizes the research progress of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of PSD.

Objective:To observe any effect of an enriched environment (EET) on cognitive functioning and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in rats modeling cerebral ischemia.Methods:Sixty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and a training group. A model of cerebral ischemia was established in the model and training groups by thread thrombus. The training group was given an EET. After 7 and 14 days, the rats′ cognition was tested using the Morris water maze and the platform jumping test. Apoptosis of brain cells in the hippocampus was detected by using TUNEL staining, and the expression of SHH, Gli2 and PTCH1 proteins in the hippocampus were measured using qRT-PCRs, western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results:After 14 days the average escape latency in the Morris water maze test had shortened more in the training group than in the model group, while the average swimming speed, the number of platform crossings and the time spent in the quadrant had increased significantly more. They also received fewer electric shocks and spent significantly less time on the platform in the platform jumping test on average. Apoptosis in the hippocampus after 14 days was significantly less in the training group with significantly greater expression of SHH and Gli2 protein and significantly less PTCH1 protein expression.Conclusion:An EET can significantly improve cognition after cerebral ischemia, at least in rats. Its mechanism may be related to enhanced activation of the SHH signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Digital Occupational Therapy (OT) System training under suspension on upper limb motor function after stroke. MethodsFrom February, 2021, to February, 2022, 90 stroke hemiplegic patients with upper limb motor dysfunction from the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College were randomly divided into routine group (n = 30), digital OT group (n = 30) and suspension group (n = 30). All the groups received routine upper limb rehabilitation, medication, and routine OT, while the digital OT group received the upper limb training of Digital OT System and the suspension group received the upper limb training of Digital OT System with the upper limb suspended. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessement-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and four weeks after treatment, while the mean electromyography (AEMG), root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF) and mean power frequency (MPF) of the radial extensor carpi dorsi muscle during contraction were measured with surface electromyography (sEMG). ResultsThe FMA-UE score, MBI score, AEMG, RMS, MF and MPF improved after treatment in all the groups (|t| > 9.202, P < 0.001), and all the indexes were the best in the suspension group (F > 8.791, P < 0.001). ConclusionDigital OT System training under suspension can promote the recovery of upper limb motor function for stroke patients, as well as the activities of daily living and the upper limb muscle function.