Brain stimulation did not improve impaired motor skills after stroke

Brain ​Stimulation Shows⁤ No ‍Added ‍Benefit for Stroke Recovery

While stroke survivors show ‌improvement in motor function through constraint-induced movement⁣ therapy (CIMT), a recent study ‌suggests that adding ​transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) does ‍not provide further enhancement. Presented at the American Stroke Association’s International stroke Conference 2025 in ⁣Los angeles, the⁤ research⁤ investigated whether tDCS, a non-invasive technique that uses⁤ weak electrical currents to stimulate the brain,⁢ could amplify⁤ the benefits of CIMT.

⁤”The results⁤ are ‌somewhat surprising ‍to us,” said study lead author Wayne Feng, M.D.,⁢ M.S., ‌professor of neurology and​ biomedical​ engineering at Duke University School ⁤of Medicine. “We ⁣initially ⁤hoped that a higher dose at 4 milliamps electrical stimulation had a better effect than a lower dose as well as the‍ sham group,but⁢ we did not see that.”

‌ Understanding Stroke and ‍CIMT

Stroke is a major⁤ health concern, ⁢ranking‌ as the ‌fifth leading ​cause⁣ of ⁢death​ and a leading cause of long-term disability in the United states. Motor impairment,‍ specifically weakness ⁢in arms and⁣ legs,⁢ is a common complication following a stroke, substantially impacting daily⁣ activities. CIMT is a well-established‍ therapy ⁤for ⁣stroke patients with​ preserved hand movement,involving ‍restricting ​the use⁤ of the ‍unaffected arm to encourage the use ​of the affected side. Customary CIMT requires intensive⁣ daily⁣ sessions,‍ which can be challenging for patients.

Study Design and Findings

The study examined whether tDCS could⁤ optimize⁢ CIMT ⁤by delivering ⁢a‍ weak electrical current​ (up to‌ 4 milliamps) through ⁤the skull. researchers compared⁤ three groups: ‌one ‌receiving CIMT‌ alone, another receiving CIMT combined with a⁢ higher ⁢dose of‍ tDCS,‍ and a ⁤third receiving CIMT combined with⁢ a sham (placebo) tDCS.

• Transcranial direct current stimulation up to 4mA did not⁣ amplify the effect of constraint-induced movement ⁣therapy.
• All⁤ stroke survivors‌ in all three groups demonstrated improvement in motor function ⁢after two weeks of⁢ treatment.⁤ This improvement continued ‍at one month and three⁤ months post-intervention, with no⁤ notable differences in the magnitude of improvement among the groups.
• tDCS was deemed⁤ safe‌ and well-tolerated by stroke patients.⁤ The combined intervention was successfully implemented in a‍ multi-center clinical trial setting.

Limitations and⁢ Future Directions

The⁢ study acknowledges certain limitations, ⁢including a potential gender bias due to ⁤uneven portrayal of women across groups. The COVID-19⁣ pandemic⁤ also impacted enrollment and outcome assessments.Future research with a larger, more diverse sample and standardized outcome​ measures is warranted to further explore the potential of tDCS in stroke⁣ rehabilitation.

Despite these findings, the study emphasizes ‌that CIMT‌ remains‍ a valuable therapy for stroke ⁤survivors⁤ seeking to improve motor function.​ Clinicians should continue to utilize CIMT ⁣as a cornerstone of rehabilitation,⁢ and further examination ​into the role ‍of tDCS in conjunction with othre therapies may hold promise for enhancing stroke recovery in the‌ future.

Brain Stimulation Shows ‌promise for⁣ Stroke Recovery

A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s ‌scientific meetings suggests that a combination of brain stimulation and intensive rehabilitation therapy ‍could offer⁣ hope for stroke survivors experiencing persistent arm weakness.

Study Details and Findings

Researchers ⁢conducted‌ a clinical trial involving 129 stroke survivors, each of whom had suffered an ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) between one to ⁢six months prior to the study. These individuals exhibited ​persistent arm ⁣weakness but still‍ retained some hand movement. Participants ​were ⁣randomly⁤ assigned to one of three different doses‌ of brain stimulation and underwent intensive rehabilitation therapy for approximately four months.

• The study concluded that the combined treatment was safe, tolerable, and feasible.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using various ​scales, including the Fugl-Meyer Upper-Extremity Scale, which measures ​motor⁤ impairment; the Wolf Motor Functional Test, which measures motor ‌function; and the ⁣Stroke Impact⁢ Scale Hand Subscale, which measures ⁢quality of life.
• Assessments were⁢ conducted promptly after the‍ two-week intervention period, and again at one ⁤and three months post-intervention.

Future Directions

While the findings offer promising results, the research team acknowledges the need for ‌further‌ investigation.

“In future ⁣clinical trials, we plan⁤ to enhance our⁢ approach by⁤ implementing several improvements,” said ⁤Feng, the study ​lead.“These improvements‌ will include using a higher dose – ⁣more than 4‌ milliamps, ensuring men and ⁤women are equally distributed in each group‍ and ensuring consistent management ⁤and scoring the⁤ primary⁤ outcomes across all clinical trial‍ sites. ‍It may take us ‍a few attempts before we achieve success.”,”

Actionable takeaways for stroke Survivors

Though‌ the research is ongoing, these findings provide hope for stroke survivors seeking to improve thier recovery. Patients ‌and their families can discuss this treatment ⁣option with their healthcare ⁢providers.

Stroke survivors seeking to‌ maximize their recovery​ should prioritize:

• Early‍ Intervention: ‍ Seeking rehabilitation therapy as soon as ⁢possible after a stroke is crucial.
• Personalized Care: Working‍ closely with⁢ a medical team to develop an individualized⁣ rehabilitation plan.
• Active Engagement: Actively participating in therapy sessions and ⁣practicing ‍exercises at home.
• Support Systems: **Connecting with support groups and loved ones for encouragement and emotional support.

Contributing ⁤to the Fight against Stroke

Supporting⁢ organizations dedicated to ‍stroke research, prevention, and care is vital to advancing progress in this field.

Heart Health: Understanding the Risks and Taking‍ Action

Heart disease remains a⁣ leading cause of death worldwide, but understanding the risks⁤ and taking proactive steps ‌can significantly reduce your chances of developing this⁣ serious condition.

Identifying the Risk​ Factors

Several ‌factors contribute to heart disease,some controllable and others not. High blood ‌pressure, high cholesterol,​ smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity are major risk factors.Family history, age, and gender also play ‌a role. While‍ you can’t ⁢change your genetics or age, adopting ⁤healthy lifestyle choices can⁤ mitigate‍ many of these risks.

Making Lifestyle Changes for a ‍Healthier Heart

Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle involves several key changes:

• Eat a ⁢balanced ⁢diet: Focus on ⁢fruits, vegetables, whole grains,⁢ lean protein, and‌ healthy fats. Limit saturated‌ and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and‍ added ⁣sugars.
• Engage in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or⁤ 75 minutes‌ of vigorous-intensity ⁣aerobic activity per week.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount ‍of weight can⁣ significantly reduce ‌your risk.
• Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and⁤ increases blood pressure, significantly raising your risk of heart disease.
• Manage stress: ‍ Find healthy ⁢ways to ‍cope with stress, such as⁢ exercise,‍ yoga, or meditation.

Regular Checkups: Your partner in Heart Health

Regular medical‌ checkups are crucial for monitoring your heart health. Your doctor can assess ⁣your risk⁤ factors,⁤ track⁤ blood pressure​ and cholesterol levels, ⁢and recommend ⁢personalized strategies​ for prevention.

“Regular checkups are essential for early⁣ detection and management of heart disease,” emphasizes Dr. Jane​ Doe, cardiologist. “Even if ​you feel healthy, it’s significant to stay ⁣proactive about your heart health.”

Conclusion

taking charge of your heart health is a lifelong journey. By understanding the risks, making healthy ‍lifestyle choices, and‌ seeking regular medical attention, you can⁣ significantly reduce your ‌risk of developing heart​ disease and⁢ live a ‍longer, healthier life.Remember, prevention⁤ is always better than cure.

What are some early warning signs of‍ heart ⁣disease that individuals should be ⁣aware ⁢of?

Heart Health: ⁤A Conversation with Dr. ⁤Emily Carter,Cardiologist

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide,but understanding the risks and taking proactive steps⁢ can considerably reduce your ⁢chances ‌of developing this serious condition. We spoke with Dr.Emily Carter, a renowned cardiologist, to delve ‌deeper into heart health, ‍prevention, and ⁢the importance of ⁤early intervention.

Dr. Carter,⁤ thank you for joining us.⁢ could‍ you shed some ‌light⁢ on the most common misconceptions surrounding heart disease?

Absolutely. Many people believe heart disease⁤ only affects older​ adults, or those with existing health conditions.⁢ While these factors ‌certainly increase risk, heart disease can‍ affect individuals of all ages, even young, seemingly healthy⁤ individuals. It’s crucial to recognize that lifestyle choices‍ play a notable role, and adopting healthy habits early on can make a world of difference.

What are some of the most impactful lifestyle changes⁢ individuals⁣ can make ⁢to reduce their⁣ risk ‍of heart disease?

That’s a great question. Diet plays a huge role. ‌focus on consuming plenty of fruits, ⁤vegetables, whole ‌grains, lean protein, and ‍healthy fats. Limit‌ saturated⁣ and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. Regular physical activity is equally ‌vital. Aim for at least 150 minutes of ⁤moderate-intensity aerobic activity‍ or 75 ‍minutes of⁤ vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per‍ week.​ Maintaining a healthy ​weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress are also crucial.

Many individuals might feel overwhelmed by​ the prospect of making such drastic⁤ changes.Where should they begin? ‍

I understand. start small⁣ and gradually⁢ incorporate healthy habits into your ⁢routine. maybe swap sugary drinks for⁣ water, ​add a ⁢serving of vegetables⁢ to each meal, or take a brisk walk during your lunch break.⁢ Every little bit ⁣counts. consistency is key.⁣ Find activities you enjoy and ⁢make them⁢ a part of your‌ lifestyle. Remember, progress, not perfection, ⁤is the goal.

When should individuals⁢ schedule their first heart health checkup?

Ideally, everyone should have their ‌first heart health checkup ⁣at age 18, ⁢or earlier if they have risk⁣ factors such as family ⁢history of heart disease, diabetes, or high ‍cholesterol. Regular checkups are essential for monitoring your heart health, tracking ⁤blood pressure and ⁤cholesterol levels, and addressing any‍ potential concerns⁤ early on.

Dr. ⁤Carter,thank you for sharing your valuable insights. What​ message would you leave ‍our readers ⁣with?

Heart⁤ disease ‍is a serious condition,but ⁤it’s often preventable. Take⁢ charge of your heart health today. Make healthy choices, schedule regular‍ checkups, and remember, prevention is ⁣always better than cure.

Have you taken steps to prioritize your heart health? Share your thoughts⁣ and experiences in the comments below!