Comparison of the Effects of Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Upper Extremity Functions in Patients with Stroke

Title:Comparison of the Effects of Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Upper Extremity Functions in Patients with Stroke

Volume: 14 Issue: 10

Author(s): Ying Shen, Zhifei Yin, Yabei Fan, Chiun-Fan Chen, Wenjun Dai, Wenchao Yi, Yongqiang Li, Wentong Zhang, Yuting Zhang, Rong Bian, Yan Huang, Sergio Machado, Ti-Fei Yuan and Chunlei Shan

Affiliation:

Keywords: Contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, upper extremity function, stroke.

Abstract: Background: Contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) is an innovative method to improve upper extremity functions after stroke.

Objective: To compare the effects of CCFES versus neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the upper extremity functions in patients with stroke.

Methods: Sixty patients with stroke were randomly assigned into CCFES group (n=30) or NMES group (n=30). All patients were also treated with conventional medical treatment and rehabilitation training. Patients in CCFES group received CCFES to the affected wrist extensors while the NMES group received NMES. The stimulus current was biphasic wave with a pulse duration of 200μs and a frequency of 60Hz. The electrical stimulation lasted for 20min per session, 5 sessions per week for 3 weeks. The intensity of the CCFES was based on the electromyography (EMG) value of the unaffected side while the subjects voluntarily extended their unaffected wrist slightly (<10% range of motion, ROM), moderately (about 50% ROM) and completely (100% ROM). Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), motricity index (MI), the Hong Kong version of functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity (FTHUE-HK) and active range of motion (AROM) of wrist extension were measured before and after 3 weeks of treatment.

Results: Compared with the baseline values, both groups showed significant improvements in all the measurements after treatment (p<0.05). Patients in CCFES group showed significantly higher upper extremity FMA, FTHUE-HK scores and AROM of wrist extension than those in NMES group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Compared with the conventional NMES, CCFES provides better recovery of upper extremity function in patients with stroke.

Cite this article as:

Shen Ying, Yin Zhifei, Fan Yabei, Chen Chiun-Fan, Dai Wenjun, Yi Wenchao, Li Yongqiang, Zhang Wentong, Zhang Yuting, Bian Rong, Huang Yan, Machado Sergio, Yuan Ti-Fei and Shan Chunlei, Comparison of the Effects of Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Upper Extremity Functions in Patients with Stroke, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2015; 14 (10) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871527315666151111122457