The aim of the research is to address the critical gap that limited number of RCTs are conducted on this topic. To further explore the efficacy of tDCs, large sample sizes, large follow up period and rigorously controlled randomized clinical trials are necessary. An optimum stimulation protocol is also needed on this study. Previous studies lack information regarding effects of this stimulation on depression, cognition, quality of life in relation to different severity levels of stroke.
Research studies revealed that PSD causes both cognitive and physical impairments to lower motivation, which hinders rehabilitation program participation and slows down executive functions. Due to depression, cognitive dysfunctions difficulty in executive, working memory and emotional deficits which declines quality of life (QoL). Thus, the combined effects of cognitive decline and PSD considerably more worsen stroke survivors' QoL with regard to psychological, environmental and physical well-being Evidence supports various techniques for minimizing PSD, restoring cognitive function, and enhancing QoL including mindfulness-based therapies, exercise therapy (aerobic and resistance trainings), progressive muscle relaxation exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) include transcranial direct current stimulations (tDCS) demonstrated significant therapeutic outcomes in the PSD rehabilitation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
56
tDCS will be applied to the M1 area for 20 minutes with 5x7 cm electrodes. The intervention will be applied for eight weeks on alternate days
Breathing exercises will be performed
Pakistan Railway General Hospital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
RECRUITINGPatient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a self-administered and widely used tool for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring post stroke depression .It consists of 9 items, scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), with a total score ranging from 0 to 27. The PHQ-9 interpreted as 0-4=No depression, 5-9=mild depression, 10-14=Moderate depression, 15- 19=Moderately severe, 20-27=severe depression.
Time frame: 8 weeks
MoCA
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) plays a significant role in the prediction of Cognitive Impairment after stroke. MoCA is scored out of 30 points. Interpreted as 26-30=Normal Cognitive impairment 18-25 = mild cognitive impairment, 10-17= moderate cognitive impairment and less than 10= severe cognitive impairment.
Time frame: 8 weeks
SS-QoL
SS-QOL is a tool designed for self-assessment of stroke survivors. It might be completed by the patient or its caregiver, as the time required to complete is 10-15 minutes. The questionnaire consists of 49 items divided in 12 domains; energy, family role, language, mobility, mood, personality, self-care, social role, thinking, upper extremity function, vision and work. Five-point Likert scale. The results are later rescaled to fit the 0 to100 scale where 100 is being the best health state.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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