Effect of an electric stimulation facilitation program on quadriceps motor unit recruitment after stroke

To compare maximum voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) and motor unit recruitment of the quadriceps after an electric stimulation facilitation program in persons affected by cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Three-week, randomized controlled trial with an electric stimulation facilitation program added to standard care.

Inpatient rehabilitation center.

Twenty patients receiving rehabilitation for first-time CVA (51.8+/-15.2 y; days post-CVA, 38.4+/-40.0 d). Patients were randomly assigned to study and control groups.

All patients received standard physical therapy (PT) care. In addition, the study group received an electric stimulation facilitation program during weight-bearing and ambulatory activities of the PT program.

MVIT and motor unit recruitment measured by interpolated twitch testing. A 2 x 4 repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed on measurements at 4 intervals: pretest, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks.

MVIT increased by 77% in patients receiving electric stimulation, compared with a 31% increase for the control group. There was a significant effect for assessment time only. Motor unit recruitment increased from 35% to 53% for the study group, whereas the control group recorded no change in recruitment ability. A significant interaction was recorded, indicating improved motor unit recruitment for the study group.

A brief and dynamic electric stimulation facilitation program significantly improved motor unit recruitment in persons after CVA.