ObjectiveTo explore the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) on premotor cortex (PMC) on upper limb motor function in patients with severe stroke. MethodsFrom June, 2021 to December, 2022, 60 patients with severe stroke in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), primary motor cortex (M1) group (n = 20) and PMC group (n = 20). All the groups accepted routine rehabilitation treatment, while the control group accepted atDCS pseudo stimulation to the focus side PMC, M1 group accepted atDCS to the focus side M1, and PMC group accepted atDCS to the focus side PMC, for six weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the surface electromyography root mean square (RMS) ratio of affected/unaffected side of triceps and extensor carpus were used to evaluate the efficacy before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and WMFT, and RMS ratio of triceps and extensor carpus significantly increased in all the groups (|t| > 2.458, P < 0.05), and were better in PMC group than in the other two groups (F > 4.084, P < 0.05). ConclusionatDCS on PMC could improve the overall function of upper limb in patients with severe stroke.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) combined with contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) on upper limb motor function of stroke patients. MethodsFrom January to December, 2022, 60 stroke patients from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into atDCS group (n = 20), CCFES group (n = 20) and combined group (n = 20). All the groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while atDCS group accepted atDCS on the primary motor (M1) area of the damaged hemisphere, CCFES group accepted CCFES on the triceps brachii and extensors carpi muscles, and the combined group accepted atDCS on the M1 area of damaged hemisphere and CCFES on triceps brachii and extensors carpi muscles, for six weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the electromyography root mean square (RMS) ratio of bilateral triceps brachii muscles and extensor carpi muscles, before and after treatment. ResultsThe FMA-UE score, WMFT score, and the RMS ratio of the triceps brachii muscles and extensor carpi muscles improved in all the groups after treatment (|t| > 5.007, P < 0.001), and improved the most in the combined group (F > 14.492, P < 0.001). ConclusionatDCS combined with CCFES can effectively improve upper limb motor function of stroke patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of multimodal mirror therapy on upper limb and hand function in stroke patients. MethodsFrom April, 2021 to August, 2022, 60 stroke patients from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into group A (n = 20), group B (n = 20) and group C (n = 20). All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation, while group B accepted mirror therapy, and group C accepted multimodal mirror therapy, in addition, for six weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), while the maximum grip strength and pinch strength of the affected hand were measured. ResultsThe FMA-UE score, UEFT score, maximum hand grip strength and pinch strength, and MBI scores improved in all groups after treatment (|t| > 7.878, P < 0.001), and it was the most in group C (F > 12.563, P < 0.001). ConclusionMultimodal mirror therapy may further improve the upper limb motor function and hand function of stroke patients, as well as the strength of the affected hand and the activities of daily living.

ObjectiveTo explore low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with bilateral isokinematic training (BIT) on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living of stroke patients. MethodsFrom September, 2021 to September, 2022, 60 stroke inpatients in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into rTMS group (n = 20), BIT group (n = 20) and combination group (n = 20). All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation, moreover, rTMS group accepted 1 Hz rTMS on healthy side, BIT group accepted BIT, and the combination group accepted the combination of 1 Hz rTMS on healthy side and BIT, for four weeks. They were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Carroll Upper Extremities Function Test (UEFT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. ResultsThe scores of FMA-UE, WMFT, UEFT and MBI significantly improved in all the groups after treatment (|t| > 5.052, P < 0.001), and improved the most in the combination group (F > 9.834, P < 0.001). ConclusionBoth low-frequency rTMS and BIT can effectively improve upper limb motor function and activities of daily living of stroke patients, and the combination of them is more effective.