Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictors related to upper extremity functional
recovery, with special emphasis on neuromuscular electrical stimulation
dose-response in patients after stroke. SUBJECTS: Ninety-five patients with
stroke who received a 4-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation intervention.
Prospective predictive analysis. METHODS: The change score of the Action
Research Arm Test (ARAT) was used as the main outcome. Baseline subject
characteristics, stroke-related data, and intervention-related data were
collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to identify the
potential predictors related to main outcome. RESULTS: The regression model
revealed that the initial Fugl-Meyer upper limb score was the most important
predictor for ARAT change score post-test, followed by time since stroke onset
and location of stroke lesion. At 2-month follow-up, the neuromuscular electrical
stimulation dosage became a significant determinant in addition to the above
predictors. CONCLUSION: Initial motor severity and lesion location were the main
predictors for upper limb functional improvement in stroke patients.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation dosage became a significant determinant for
upper limb functional recovery after stroke at 2-month follow-up. More intensive
neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy during early rehabilitation is
associated with better upper limb motor function recovery after stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS