Alteration in Resting-State Brain Activity in Stroke Survivors Following Repetitive Finger Stimulation

Abstract Objective This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of repetitive finger stimulation on brain activation in eight stroke and seven control subjects, measured by quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG). Methods We applied five minutes of two Hz repetitive bilateral index finger transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and compared differences pre and post TENS using qEEG metrics delta/alpha ratio (DAR) and delta-theta/alpha-beta ratio (DTABR). Results Between group differences pre and post-stimulation were significantly different in the DAR (z = -2.88 with p = 0.0040) and the DTABR variables (z = -3.90 with p < .0001). Significant decrease in the DAR and DTABR variables after the TENS was detected only in the stroke group (DAR diff = 3.87 p = .0211), (DTABR diff = 1.19, p = .0074). Conclusions The decrease in qEEG metrics in the stroke group may indicate improved brain activity following TENS. This finding may pave the way for a future novel therapy based on TENS and qEEG measures to improve brain recovery after stroke.