Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Stroke Patient

Stroke is a neurological disorder caused by a disruption of blood supply because of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with balance impairment recognized as one of the most disabling sequel affecting functional independence and quality of life. In Pakistan, the annual incidence of stroke is estimated at 250 per 100,000 people, and stroke is the second leading cause of death with a mortality rate of about 9.3%. Postural control and balance impairment are common issues among patients with stroke. It has been estimated that approximately 83% of patients with stroke experience difficulties in maintaining balance. Effective trunk control, often referred to as core stability, is therefore a fundamental component of motor performance and postural control. Selective trunk exercises designed to improve trunk coordination and control can boost balance and gait parameters among stroke subjects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is one of the most used noninvasive brain stimulation techniques. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a means of increasing cortical excitability by promoting synaptic plasticity in the cerebral cortex. A new "top-down" approach to enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes. The Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation facilitates the control of trunk and lower extremity motion and provide mobility and stability to trunk. The use of Pelvic PNF facilitates neuromuscular coordination through specific movement patterns, which enhance trunk stability and postural control. The Pelvic PNF facilitates the trunk and lower extremity motion and also provides the stability to trunk. It also promotes the exploration of postural reflexes and prioritizes eccentric muscle contraction, stimulating agonist activity. Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) improves trunk-pelvic control, weight shifting, and sensorimotor integration through a bottom-up proprioceptive facilitation mechanism. This study will contribute to knowledge by providing evidence regarding the combined effects of Pelvic PNF and tDCS on trunk control, balance, and functional mobility in subacute stroke patients. The findings will contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing evidence regarding synergistic effect of these interventions. Clinically the results may help physiotherapist develop more effective, evidence-based treatment protocols for improving trunk control and functional independence. By comparing these groups, the study will determine whether adding tDCS to Pelvic PNF provides better functional recovery by enhancing both cortical excitability and peripheral proprioceptive input. This is important because stroke rehabilitation currently lacks clear evidence on the most effective combination of top-down (neuromodulation) and bottom-up (sensorimotor facilitation) approaches. The findings may help establish a more effective, evidence-based intervention strategy for trunk control and mobility impairments, which are key determinants of independence after stroke. At the community level, improved balance and mobility can reduce fall risk, decrease dependency on caregivers, enhance participation in daily and social activities, and better quality of life. Additionally, effective rehabilitation may reduce long-term disability and healthcare burden, making stroke management more cost-effective and accessible for the community. Experimental Group A will receive Pelvic PNF and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Routine Physical Therapy while Experimental Group B will receive Pelvic PNF and Routine Physical Therapy and Experimental Group C Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Routine Physical Therapy. . Therefore, this study aims to address this important clinical and methodological gap by investigate the combining effect of Pelvic PNF and tDCS, potentially establishing an evidence-based rehabilitation strategy that optimizes functional recovery after stroke.