title: Effects of a 12-hour neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment program on the recovery of upper extremity function in sub-acute stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot trial.
abstract: [Purpose] This study investigated the effects of a 12-hour neuromuscular electrical stimulation program in the evening hours on upper extremity function in sub-acute stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-five subjects were randomized to one of three groups: 12-hour neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (n=15), which received 12 hours of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and conventional rehabilitation for the affected upper extremity; neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (n=15), which received 30 min of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and conventional rehabilitation; and control group (n=15), which received conventional rehabilitation only. The Fugl-Meyer assessment, Action Research Arm Test, and modified Ashworth scale were used to evaluate the effects before and after intervention, and 4 weeks later. [Results] The improvement in the distal (wrist-hand) components of the Fugl-Meyer assessment and Action Research Arm Test in the 12-hour neuromuscular electrical stimulation group was more significant than that in the neuromuscular electrical stimulation group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the proximal component (shoulder-elbow) of the Fugl-Meyer assessment. [Conclusion] The 12-hour neuromuscular electrical stimulation group achieved better improvement in upper extremity motor function, especially in the wrist-hand function. This alternative therapeutic approach is easily applicable and can be used in stroke patients during rest or sleep.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Bao-Juan
authors: BJ
authors: Cui
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Dao-Qing
authors: DQ
authors: Wang
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Jian-Qing
authors: JQ
authors: Qiu
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Lai-Gang
authors: LG
authors: Huang
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Fan-Shuo
authors: FS
authors: Zeng
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Qi
authors: Q
authors: Zhang
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Min
authors: M
authors: Sun
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Ben-Ling
authors: BL
authors: Liu
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Univeristy, China.
authors: Qiang-San
authors: QS
authors: Sun
keywords: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation; Stroke; Upper extremity function