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Myoelectrically driven functional electrical stimulation may increase motor recovery of upper limb in poststroke subjects: A randomized controlled pilot study.
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Myoelectrically driven functional electrical stimulation may increase motor recovery of upper limb in poststroke subjects: A randomized controlled pilot study Rune Thorsen, PhD, MScee; M. Cortesi, PT; J. Jonsdottir, PhD; I. Carpinella, MSc; D. Morelli, MD; A. Casiraghi, MD; M. Puglia; M. Diverio, MD; M. Ferrarin, PhD, DrEng
Aim • Assess feasibility and effectiveness of myoelectrically controlled functional electrical stimulation (MeCFES) for poststroke rehabilitation of upper limb. • Relevance • Most subjects experiencing cerebrovascular accident will have reduced upper-limb function. • In stroke rehabilitation, therapist may work on residual movements.
Method • 11 poststroke hemiparetic subjects with residual proximal arm control but impaired volitional opening of paretic hand. • Experimental group • MeCFES: Myoelectric activity from wrist and finger extensors controlled stimulation of same muscles. • 3-5 treatments sessions/week (25 sessions total). • Control group
Results • Experimental group: • Significant and clinically important improvement in Action Research Arm Test score, confirmed by Individually Prioritized Problem Assessment self-evaluation score. • Improvement maintained at follow-up. • Control group: • No significant improvement.
Conclusion • Reduced sample size, together with confounding factors (e.g., spontaneous recovery) calls for larger studies to draw definite conclusions. • However, large and persistent treatment effects indicate that MeCFES could be important clinical tool for stroke rehabilitation.