Dose-response relation between neuromuscular electrical stimulation and upper-extremity function in patients with stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of different doses of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on upper-extremity function in acute stroke patients with severe motor deficit.


METHODS
Sixty-six acute stroke patients were randomized to 3 groups: high NMES, low NMES, or control. The low-NMES group received 30 minutes of stimulation per day, and the high-NMES group received 60 minutes per day, for 4 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale, Action Research Arm Test, and Motor Activity Log were used to assess the patients at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post baseline (follow-up).


RESULTS
Both NMES groups showed significant improvement on Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment and Action Research Arm Test scales compared with the control group at week 4 and follow-up. The high-NMES group showed treatment effects similar to those of the low-NMES group.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher and lower doses of NMES led to similar improvements in motor function. A minimum of 10 hours of NMES in combination with regular rehabilitation may improve recovery of arm function in stroke patients during the acute stage.
Hsu
Shu-Shyuan
SS
Hu
Ming-Hsia
MH
Wang
Yen-Ho
YH
Yip
Ping-Keung
PK
Chiu
Jan-Wei
JW
Hsieh
Ching-Lin
CL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology