Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Pinch Strength in Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the main cause of long-term disability among adults, results in a well-documented impairment of activities of daily living (ADL). Noninvasive brain stimulation modulates motor cortical function and can enhance cortical plasticity. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on pinch strength in stroke patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients from both sexes with age ranged between 45-60 years participated in this study. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (Group I and Group II), the study group (Group I) received anodal transcranial direct current stimulation applied on ipsilesional hemisphere in addition to the selected physical therapy program. The control group (Group II) received the selected physical therapy program only. Results: The study group showed a statistically significant increase in pinch strength post treatment compared to the control group. Conclusion: Anodal Transcranial direct current stimulation can be suggested as an effective method in improvement of pinch strength in patients with stroke.