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Clinical Trial Summary

Forty-eight clinically verified Egyptian patients from both sexes with ischemic stroke that occurred at least 6 months to 2 years before inclusion will be randomly assigned into 2 groups, control group (GA) and the experimental group (GB). Patients will be randomly assigned into two equal groups: the control group (GA) and the experimental group (GB). Patients in the control group (GA) will be treated with sham Vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) immediately before a selected physical therapy program, while in the experimental group (GB), patients will receive real transcutaneous auricular Vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) followed by the same selected physical therapy program as (GA). Plasma level of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and modified Ashworth scale (MAS) will be assessed at baseline and immediately post-treatment.


Clinical Trial Description

Background: Neuromodulation techniques play an integral role in restoring motor function in stroke patients by affecting the adaptive neuroplasticity and activation of neuromodulators that may reduce brain inflammation post stroke. Objective: To assess the efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation on plasma levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), gross manual dexterity, and muscle tone in patients with ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight clinically verified Egyptian patients from both sexes with ischemic stroke that occurred at least 6 months to 2 years before inclusion, aged 55 to 65 years, were recruited. Patients will be randomly assigned into two equal groups; control group (GA) and the experimental group (GB). Patients in the control group (GA) were treated with sham Vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) immediately before a selected physical therapy program, while in the experimental group (GB), patients received real transcutaneous auricular Vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) followed by the same selected physical therapy program as (GA). Plasma levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF), serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) , Box and Blocks Test (BBT) and Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) were assessed at baseline and immediately post-treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in BBT, plasma IL-18 level and BDNF in experimental group (GB) post-treatment (P< 0.05) with no change in MAS. There was no statistical significant difference in BBT, plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and MAS in control group post treatment (P> 0.05). While, there is a statistically significant improvement in BDNF in the control group post treatment. A statistically significant improvement was observed of BBT and BDNF in the study group compared to the control group (P< 0.05). There was no statistical significant difference in MAS between study and control groups (P> 0.05). Conclusions: Non-invasive VNS as an adjunct to conventional physical rehabilitation enhances neuroplasticity and improves upper limb motor ability after ischemic stroke, as well as reducing the stroke-induced inflammatory process, which may affect the disease prognosis. ;


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT06388954
Study type Interventional
Source Cairo University
Contact Engy B Saleh, PhD
Phone 00201099445112
Email engybm.saleh@yahoo.com
Status Recruiting
Phase N/A
Start date February 21, 2024
Completion date June 9, 2024

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