Clinical effects of combined bilateral arm training with functional electrical stimulation in patients with stroke

Cerebral vascular disease (or stroke) is the main cause of disabilities in adults. Upper-limb dysfunction after stroke usually exists, leading to severe limits of motor capabilities as well as daily activities. Therefore, effective treatment interventions for upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke are needed. Based on the neurophysiological evidence and clinical measures, combined bilateral arm training (BAT) with functional electric stimulation (FES) could improve hand function in stroke patients. In this study, we attempt to combine BAT with FES applying to the post-stroke paretic arm. A linear guide platform with FES feedback control was developed to execute the training of bilateral reaching movements. 35 stroke subjects were recruited and divided into two groups (BAT with FES and BAT alone). 23 participants completed this experiment with 3-week intervention. According to our preliminary results, a favorable trend toward improvement in experimental group (BAT with FES) existed after treatment and at follow-up. Further analysis would be conducted to investigate the kinematic change on motor performance. Moreover, various treatment doses as well as more functional approaches would also be considered for better effects of upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.