Percepção à estimulação elétrica periférica em indivíduos com Acidente Vascular Encefálico

Abstract

Sensory dysfunctions are common in patients with sequelae of stroke and are related to factors such as mobility, independence in daily living activities and functional recovery. Among the sensory modalities, loss of somatotopic discrimination is the most frequently affected. Despite of the relevance of the clinical sensory tests, there is a growing need for measuring objectively the sensitivity, informing more accurately the sensory condition of individuals with stroke. Thus, the measure of sensory perception threshold to electric stimulation has been proved as a viable alternative for this purpose. This study had as main purpose to measure the extent of sensory perception threshold to electrical stimulation in individuals with stroke by using sinusoidal current for frequencies of 1 Hz, 250 Hz and 3000 Hz, and compare them with healthy individuals. Have been also measured reaction time and the description of the sensations related to frequencies. Participated in the study 10 individuals with chronic stroke sequelae, aged 55 ± 7.29 years and time to onset of 8.4 ± 9.3 years. For descriptive data analysis were used the nonparametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Mann Whitney tests for independent and dependent samples, respectively, considering a significance level of 5%. The results showed that in healthy subjects, comparing upper limbers demonstrated no difference on LEPS in the frequencies 1 Hz (p = 0.23), 250 Hz (p = 1) and 3000 Hz (p = 0.32). It has been found that the LEPS of paretic hand in individuals with stroke is greater for frequencies of 1 Hz (p=0.007), 250 Hz (p=0.028) and P = 3000 Hz (0.004) compared to healthy subjects. Regarding non- paretic hand, differences have been found only for the frequency of 3000 Hz (p=0.025). No difference in LEPS between upper limber of individuals with stroke for frequencies of 1 Hz, 250 Hz, 3000 Hz was observed (p=0,26; p=0,06 p=0,15). The reaction time to stimulus showed no significant difference between control group and experimental group, nor between the paretic and non-paretic limbs. Regarding the characterization of sensations perceived, one can see a predominance of reports related to tactile sensation for all frequencies in both arms, but with significantly higher occurrences for the frequency of 250 Hz in the paretic and non- paretic hand. The measurement of the LEPS in individuals with stroke proved to be a useful tool to quantify the sensory abnormalities and guide the professional in setting goals and interventions.