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

Only 8 stroke survivors and 7 healthy controls were studied, so the results may not apply broadly. The study measured only a single session of stimulation and resting brain activity, not movement after treatment. Upper extremity movement was assessed only before stimulation, so any link between brain changes and hand function was not tested after treatment. The groups did not change at significantly different rates over time, despite larger average changes in the stroke group. No significant correlation was found between brain activity ratios and movement scores. The authors said a power analysis would be needed to ensure enough participants to document change. Participants were at least three months after stroke and had substantial upper extremity involvement, so results may not apply to people in the first three months or with less upper extremity involvement. People with sensory involvement in non-affected limbs, severe atrophy or contracture, cardiorespiratory problems, epilepsy or seizures, or brainstem lesions were excluded.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest and state the research was conducted without known commercial or financial relationships.

Do not conclude that finger TENS improves motor recovery. The study measured only resting brain activity after a single session, did not collect upper extremity movement scores after stimulation, and found no significant correlation between brain activity ratios and movement scores.