Effect of Trans-auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Plasticity Biomarkers,Interleukin-6 and Motor Performance Post Stroke : A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Seventy-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.
• Hemiparetic patients with ischemic middle cerebral artery stroke
• The duration of illness ranged from at least 6 months to 2 years after stroke.
• Patient's age ranged from 55 to 65 years, patients with unilateral upper limb motor function impairment.
• Patients able to transfer at least one block in Box and Blocks Test.
• Patients with sufficient cognitive abilities that enables them to understand and follow instructions.
• Spasticity of upper limb muscles ranged from (grade 1:2) according to Modified Ashworth scale.