BackgroundCognitive impairment after stroke is common and can cause disability with major impacts on quality of life and independence. Transcranial direct current stimulation may represent a promising tool for reconstitution of cognitive functions in stroke patients.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on cognitive functions in stroke patients.Patients and methodsForty male stroke patients were included. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (A and B). Group A received transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with selected cognitive training program by RehaCom. Group B received sham transcranial direct current stimulation in combination with the same cognitive training program.Cognitive evaluation and functional independence measure (FIM) were done for all patients before and after treatment.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the scores of attention and concentration, figural memory, logical reasoning, reaction behavior, and FIM post treatment in both groups; the improvement was significantly higher in group A compared to group B.ConclusiontDCS is a safe and effective neuro-rehabilitation modality that improves post stroke cognitive dysfunctions. Moreover, tDCS has a positive impact on performance of daily activities.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of shoulder girdle strengthening, particularly the scapular muscles, on poststroke trunk alignment. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 30 patients with residual hemiparesis following cerebrovascular stroke. Patient assessment included measuring shoulder muscle peak torque, scapular muscles peak force, spinal lateral deviation angle, and motor functional performance. Patients were randomly allocated either to the control group or the study group and received an 18-session strengthening program including active resisted exercises for shoulder abductors and external rotators in addition to trunk control exercises. The study group received additional strengthening exercises for the scapular muscles. [Results] The two groups showed significant improvement in strength of all shoulder and scapular muscles, with higher improvement in the study group. Similarly, the lateral spinal deviation angles significantly improved in both groups, with significantly higher improvement in the study group. Transfer activity, sitting balance, upper limb functions, and hand movements significantly improved in the two groups, with higher improvement in the latter two functions in the study group. [Conclusion] Strengthening of shoulder girdle muscles, particularly scapular muscles, can significantly contribute to improving the postural alignment of the trunk in patients with poststroke hemiparesis.