Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 10(1), pp. 25 - 33
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2022.100103
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Effect of Tongue Stimulation on Upper Extremity Recovery in Stroke Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jayaprakash Jayavelu ^1,2, Jasobanta Sethi ^1,*, Sahil kohli ², Tariq Matin ^2
1 Amity Institute of Physiotherapy, Amity University, Noida, India
² Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram, India

ABSTRACT

Recovery of upper extremity after stroke is always challenging because of various factors. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of tongue stimulation on upper extremity recovery in stroke patients. Fifty-four stroke patients with informed consent were screened and included in the study after they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomly divided into experimental (N=26) and control group (N=28) using computerized randomization method followed by comprehensive assessment. Randomization was done by independent assessor. All patients were administered one hour of stroke rehabilitation program in both groups. In experimental group, periglossal electrical stimulation was done for 15 minutes along with upper limb retraining. Patients' functional scores were assessed in both groups at the time of enrolment into the study, which includes modified Rankin Scale and Barthel index, whereas the motor functions were assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale. They were reassessed after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of the study. Data analysis was done using SAS software. Test of normality was done to find out the normality of the data. Within group analysis was done using paired t test or Wilcoxin Signed Rank test and between group analysis was done using independent t test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on the normality of the data. Twenty-five stroke patients in control group and twenty-three stroke patients in experimental group completed the study. There was significant improvement in modified Rankin Scale, Barthel index and Fugl-Meyer Scale in both the groups (P<0.05). Between group analysis revealed that there is significant improvement in modified Rankin Scale, Barthel index, Fugl-Meyer upper extremity and lower extremity scale in experimental group compared to control group (P<0.05). Tongue stimulation was found to be effective in improving the upper limb functions in stroke patients. This is also cost effective and easy to administer for the benefit of the patients.

KEYWORDS
Tongue Stimulation, Upper Extremity Motor Functions, Neuroplasticity, Stroke

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Jayaprakash Jayavelu , Jasobanta Sethi , Sahil kohli , Tariq Matin , "Effect of Tongue Stimulation on Upper Extremity Recovery in Stroke Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 25 - 33, 2022. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2022.100103.

(b). APA Format:
Jayaprakash Jayavelu , Jasobanta Sethi , Sahil kohli , Tariq Matin (2022). Effect of Tongue Stimulation on Upper Extremity Recovery in Stroke Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial. Universal Journal of Public Health, 10(1), 25 - 33. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2022.100103.