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Updated: May 28, 2026
Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
Published on: January 10, 2013
Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation on Upper Limb Function During the Acute Phase of Stroke: A Systematic Review
1Department of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain.
Background/Objectives:
Stroke remains a leading cause of global disability, with upper limb impairment affecting over 80% of patients. During the acute phase (first seven days), a critical neuroplastic window exists where interventions may significantly influence recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electrical stimulation-specifically Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)-on upper limb functional recovery and complication prevention during the acute phase of stroke.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted across eight databases (including Medline, PEDRo, and Cochrane) for randomized and non-randomized clinical trials published between 2016 and 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDRo scale. Quantitative synthesis was performed via meta-analysis using a random-effects model, focusing on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE).
Results:
Eight randomized clinical trials were selected with a total of 384 participants. The meta-analysis results showed a positive and statistically significant effect in favor of the experimental group compared to the control group (Z = 2.39; p = 0.02), with a combined Standardized Mean Difference of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.96), indicating a moderate effect size on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity scale. Although high heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 74%), the analysis suggests that Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) improve manual dexterity, prevent disuse atrophy, and reduce glenohumeral subluxation.
Conclusions:
Electrical stimulation shows a positive trend in early stroke recovery; however, it should be considered a promising adjunct rather than a definitive treatment. Further research into standardized protocols is required to confirm their clinical significance.
