Laser Transcranial and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (LTNMES)

The Effects of Transcranial Laser Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in The Treatment of Post-Stroke Dysfunctions

The main aim of our study was to investigate the effects of transcranial laser stimulation together with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in post-stroke patients. We performed a clinical trial.

Post-stroke sequelae includes loss functions, such as cognitive and sensory-motor which lead to emotional and social problems, reducing quality of life and well-being. The main aim of our study was to investigate the effects of transcranial laser stimulation together with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in post-stroke patients. Our clinical trial showed improvement of cognitive function, pain relief, greater manual dexterity, enhancement of physical and social-emotional health which lead to better quality of life and well-being. There was also increased temperature in the treated regions with laser and NMES. Therefore, transcranial laser stimulation associated with NMES can be an important therapeutic resource for rehabilitation after stroke.

Hemiplegics treated with transcranial laser stimulation (on) associated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (on)

The cluster was applied on the skin covering the head. NMES of the paretic limbs was programmed to generate, alternately, ankle dorsiflexion and wrist extension. The NMES was started, after 5 minutes the transcranial laser stimulation (active or placebo-treatment) was started. Then, the therapies were combined. After finishing the transcranial laser stimulation (active or placebo-treatment), the NMES was continued until completing 30 minutes.

The transcranial laser was applied identically for all groups, but the null dose was used in the placebo group. NMES of the paretic limbs was programmed to generate, alternately, ankle dorsiflexion and wrist extension.

Inclusion Criteria: Female and male aged between 35 and 75 years with hemiplegia after stroke (more than 12 months from onset) as well as those who experienced only one episode of stroke. Exclusion Criteria: Bedridden stroke patients, who had great difficulty standing and walking, psychiatric illnesses, endocrinopathies, heart diseases, severe osteoporosis, cancer, musculoskeletal injuries or disorders in the last six months as well as practitioners of regular physical activity, physical therapy or occupational therapy.