Along with the illness progresses of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, their functional limitations such as decreased cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle loss, dysfunction of arteriovenous fistula, fatigue, and sleep disorders are increasingly prominent and urgently need to be resolved. Modern physiotherapy as a non-invasive and non-pharmacological therapy which can reduce the functional limitations of MHD patients, improves the patients’ exercise capacity and quality of life. Physical therapy techniques suitable for MHD patients include active and passive exercise therapy such as aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, breathing training, and muscle stretching, as well as physical agents therapy such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, infrared, and low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field. Choosing appropriate physical agents and exercise prescription can reduce the treatment risk and improve the efficacy.
In recent years, a rapid development in non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have been witnessed in the field of rehabilitation. These techniques have gained significant attention from researchers in the field of brain dysfunction rehabilitation, holding great promise as a therapeutic modality to alleviate impairments in brain function. However, the efficacy of most NIBS treatment protocols often falls short of patients’ expectations in clinical practice. To address this gap, further research and practical efforts are necessary to delve into the mechanisms underlying NIBS effectiveness, devise strategies for enhancing efficacy, and address safety concerns associated with its application. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research advancements of NIBS in the context of brain dysfunction. Moreover, it offers insights into future development trends, intending to serve as a valuable reference for studies investigating the effectiveness and safety of NIBS, while guiding appropriate clinical practices in rehabilitation.
