Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (5): 513-519.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.05.003

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with dual-task training on upper limb function in patients with ischemic stroke

ZOU Congcong1a, WANG Xiaojun1a, MA Jinrong1b, LU Shangbo1c, DING Yong1a, WANG Hani1a, SONG Jianfei1a()   

  1. 1a. Rehabilitation Assessment and Treatment Center; b. Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation; c. Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center (Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, China
  • Received:2025-02-05 Revised:2025-04-07 Published:2025-05-25 Online:2025-05-26
  • Contact: SONG Jianfei, E-mail: 1458777383@qq.com
  • Supported by:
    Zhejiang Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Project(2024ZL769);Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Association Research Fund Project(ZKKY2023011);Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center Institutional Research Project(ZKYJ2312)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with dual-task training (DTT) on upper limb function recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.
Methods From January to October, 2024, 60 ischemic stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction admitted to Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center were selected and randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and observation group (n = 30). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training. The control group underwent sham-taVNS combined with DTT, while the observation group received active taVNS combined with DTT, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, they were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) tests.
Results The FMA-UE scores, ARAT scores, MBI scores, MEP amplitude and MEP latency improved in both groups after treatment (|t| > 3.670, P < 0.01), and were superior in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 3.081, P < 0.01).
Conclusion The combination of taVNS and DTT can significantly improve upper limb function, enhance activities of daily living, and promote neurological recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.

Key words: ischemic stroke, upper limb, dysfunction, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, dual-task training, motor-evoked potential

CLC Number: