| Objective: To investigate the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (MCIMT) on upper limb function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 48 children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into treatment group (n=25) and control group (n=23) by the random number table. The control group and treatment group received routine rehabilitation and MCIMT, and the treatment group received tDCS therapy in addition. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, the muscle tension of upper limb was measured using modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the upper limb function was measured using Carroll upper extremities functional test (UEFT), and daily life ability was measured using modified Barthel index (MBI). Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in MAS classification of hemiplegic side in the two groups, and there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group. The UEFT scores in the two groups after 8 weeks of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the UEFT scores in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The MBI scores in children over 3 years old in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the MBI scores of children over 3 years old in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The tDCS combined with MCIMT can improve upper limb function and daily life ability in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy and it is worthy of promotion in clinic. |
