Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 563-567
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260458
Impact of Non-Electrotherapeutic Stroke Rehabilitation in a Patient with Permanent Pacemaker - A Case Report
Dr. Aishwarya Bulbule1, Dr. Prasannajeet Nikam2
1Department of Neurosciences, 2Department of Sports Physiotherapy,
School of Physiotherapy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Sangli, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Aishwarya Bulbule
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with motor impairment being a major consequence. Electrotherapeutic modalities are often used in stroke rehabilitation to enhance motor recovery, reduce spasticity, and facilitate functional improvement. However, in patients with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers, electrotherapy poses potential risks due to electromagnetic interference. This case report highlights the effectiveness of a purely non-electrotherapeutic rehabilitation protocol in a stroke patient with a permanent pacemaker.
Case Presentation: A 68-year-old male with a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation suffered a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke resulting in right-sided hemiparesis. The patient also had a permanent pacemaker implanted two years prior. Given the contraindication of electrotherapy, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan without any electrotherapeutic interventions was implemented.
Intervention and Outcome: The rehabilitation protocol emphasized neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), task-specific training, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and functional mobility exercises. Over an eight-week period, the patient demonstrated marked improvements in muscle tone, motor control, balance, and independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Barthel Index.
Conclusion: Non-electrotherapeutic rehabilitation can be an effective alternative in stroke patients contraindicated for electrotherapy due to pacemaker implantation. Tailored interventions focusing on neuroplasticity and functional re-training can result in meaningful clinical recovery.
Keywords: Stroke rehabilitation, pacemaker, non-electrotherapeutic, neuroplasticity, hemiparesis, physiotherapy
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