Postural control during turn on the light task assisted by functional electrical stimulation in post stroke subjects
Andreia S P Sousa1, Juliana Moreira2, Claudia Silva2
1Center for Rehabilitation Research-Human Movement System (Re)Habilitation Area, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. andreia.asps@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|April 29, 2022
Summary
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for upper limb (UL) assistance improved postural control in post-stroke patients during a reaching task. This therapy enhances anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), aiding recovery and mobility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Postural control is crucial for reaching tasks and is often impaired after stroke.
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is effective for improving upper limb (UL) function post-stroke.
- The impact of FES on postural control mechanisms in stroke survivors remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of FES-assisted upper limb (UL) function on postural control during a functional task.
- To analyze specific postural adjustments, weight shift, and center of mass (CoM) displacement with and without FES assistance.
- To determine if FES applied to the UL can positively modulate postural control in individuals with post-stroke UL impairments.
Main Methods:
- Observational study with ten post-stroke participants exhibiting UL dysfunction.
- Analysis of early and anticipatory postural adjustments (EPAs and APAs), weight shift, center of pressure, and CoM displacement during a 'turning on the light' task.
- Comparison of postural control parameters with and without FES assistance, with FES parameters optimized based on therapist and patient consensus.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the number of participants exhibiting anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) was observed when the task was assisted by FES (p=0.031).
- FES assistance demonstrated a positive effect on specific components of postural control during the task.
- The study provides preliminary evidence for FES's role in modulating postural control.
Conclusions:
- Upper limb FES assistance during functional tasks, such as 'turning on the light', can enhance postural control in neurological patients with UL impairments.
- FES may serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for improving both upper limb function and postural stability post-stroke.
- Further research is warranted to explore the broader implications of FES for motor recovery and balance in stroke survivors.
