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Bilateral upper limb training with functional electric stimulation in patients with chronic stroke
Marko Ka-Leung Chan1, Raymond Kai-Yu Tong, Kenneth Yiu-Kwan Chung
1Occupational Therapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong.
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Functional electric stimulation (FES) combined with bilateral training significantly improved upper limb function in stroke survivors. This approach offers an effective method for upper limb rehabilitation, enhancing recovery after stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Upper limb function recovery after stroke is often poor compared to walking.
- Effective rehabilitation strategies for upper limb motor deficits are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of functional electric stimulation (FES) integrated with bilateral activities training for improving upper limb function post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- A double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 20 stroke patients (6 months post-stroke).
- Intervention group received FES synchronized with bilateral upper limb activities; control group received placebo stimulation.
- Both groups underwent stretching and occupational therapy for 15 sessions.
Main Results:
- The FES group showed significant improvements in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (FTHUE), and active wrist extension range of motion.
- No significant baseline differences were observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral upper limb training augmented with FES is an effective rehabilitation method for stroke patients.
- This combined approach demonstrated positive outcomes after 15 training sessions.
