Article

The objective of this randomized controlled pilot study was to assess the
feasibility and effectiveness of myoelectrically controlled functional electrical
stimulation (MeCFES) for rehabilitation of the upper limb in poststroke subjects.
Eleven poststroke hemiparetic subjects with residual proximal control of the arm,
but impaired volitional opening of the paretic hand, were enrolled and randomized
into a treated and a control group. Subjects received 3 to 5 treatment sessions
per week until totaling 25 sessions. In the experimental group, myoelectric
activity from wrist and finger extensors was used to control stimulation of the
same muscles. Patients treated with MeCFES (n = 5) had a significant (p = 0.04)
and clinically important improvement in Action Research Arm Test score (median
change 9 points), confirmed by an Individually Prioritized Problem Assessment
self-evaluation score. This improvement was maintained at follow-up. The control
group did not show a significant improvement (p = 0.13). The reduced sample size
of participants, together with confounding factors such as spontaneous recovery,
calls for larger studies to draw definite conclusions. However, the large and
persistent treatment effect seen in our results indicate that MeCFES could play
an important role as a clinical tool for stroke rehabilitation.
- SEF

Langue : ANGLAIS