Combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve with constraint-induced movement therapy can improve the upper limb functioning of hemiplegic stroke survivors
10.3760/cma.j.cn421666-20231110-00904
- VernacularTitle:经皮耳迷走神经电刺激联合改良强制性运动疗法对脑卒中后偏瘫患者上肢功能的影响
- Author:
Dongyan ZHU
1
;
Huiyuan JI
1
;
Chenfeng QIU
1
;
Liang WANG
1
;
Hui CAO
1
;
Qian XU
1
;
Yuejiao CAO
1
;
Weiguan CHEN
1
;
Hongjian LU
1
Author Information
1. 南通市第一人民医院康复医学科，南通 226001
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Stroke;
Transcutaneous nerve stimulation;
Auricular vagus nerve stimulation;
Constraint-induced movement therapy;
Upper limb function;
Hemiplegia
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2025;47(3):204-208
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To observe the effect of combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (taVNS) with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-one hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a taVNS group of 24, an mCIMT group of 23 and a combined group of 24. In addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy, the taVNS group received taVNS therapy, the mCIMT group received mCIMT, while the combined group received both for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Action Research arm test (ARAT). Ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). The latency and amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also measured.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI scores. MEP latency and amplitude had also improved. The averages in the mCIMT group were then significantly better than among the taVNS group.Conclusions:taVNS combined with mCIMT can significantly improve the upper limb function and ADL functioning of stroke survivors with hemiplegia. It can also promote the recovery of central nervous system function.
