Comparative Effects of Sensorimotor Training and tACS on Upper Limb Function and Cervical Proprioception in Subacute Stroke

Stroke is leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in significant functional limitations and disabilities experienced by stroke survivors. Stroke is an umbrella term that includes disorders such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.The aim of this study will be to compare the effects of sensorimotor training and transcranial alternating current stimulation on upper extremity functions, sensorimotor impairment and cervical joint position sense in sub-acute stroke patients. A single blinded randomized clinical trial will be used. Allocation will be concealed by sealed envelope. Non- probability convenient sampling will be done. On the basis of inclusion criteria participants will be randomly allocate in two groups (Group A and Group B) by using computer-generated software. Group A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Group B will receive sensorimotor training for 40 minutes and sham TACS for 20 minutes per session , for 5 days/week for 4 weeks . Measurements will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Data will be collected using Fugyl meyer assessment scale, cervical joint position error test and revised Nottingham sensory assessment scale. Data analysis will be done by SPSS software version 27. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics SPSS 27 will be used for calculations. After assessing the normality by Shapiro-wilk test, if the p value is greater than 0.05 the data will be distributed normally, so parametric test will be applied. If p value is less than 0.05 than non-parametric test will be applied.