Article

This study compared the effect of cyclic neuromuscular
electrical stimulation (NMES), electromyographically (EMG)-triggered NMES, and
sensory stimulation on motor impairment and activity limitations in patients with
upper-limb hemiplegia. METHODS: This was a multicenter, single-blind, multiarm
parallel-group study of nonhospitalized hemiplegic stroke survivors within 6
months of stroke. A total of 122 individuals were randomized to receive either
cyclic NMES, EMG-triggered NMES, or sensory stimulation twice every weekday in
40-minute sessions, over an 8 week-period. Patients were followed for 6 months
after treatment concluded. RESULTS: There were significant increases in the
Fugl-Meyer Assessment [F(1, 111) = 92.6, P < .001],
FMA Wrist and Hand [F(1, 111)
= 66.7, P < .001], and modified Arm Motor Ability Test [mAMAT; time effect: F(1,
111) = 91.0, P < .001] for all 3 groups. There was no significant difference in
the improvement among groups in the FMA [F(2, 384) = 0.2,
P = .83], FMA Wrist and
Hand [F(2, 384) = 0.4, P = .70], or the mAMAT [F(2, 379) = 1.2,
P = .31].
CONCLUSIONS: All groups exhibited significant improvement of impairment and
functional limitation with electrical stimulation therapy applied within 6 months
of stroke. Improvements were likely a result of spontaneous recovery. There was
no difference based on the type of electrical stimulation that was administered.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2016.

Langue : ANGLAIS