The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Stroke Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of upper extremity functional electrical stimulation (FES) on functional recovery in stroke patients. Material and Methods: The study was a randomized- controlled prospective trial, and approved by the local ethics committee. Stroke patients met criteria and accepted to be in study were randomly allocated to routine physiotherapy (control group) or routine physiotherapy + FES (FES group). Primary [Fugl-Meyer and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)] and secondary measures [range of motion, Motor Activity Log-28 (MAL-28), Jebsen-Taylor test, handgrip strength, Short Form-36] were assessed before treatment (t0), at the second week of therapy (t1) and after treatment (t2). Results: Seventeen patients were included in the study (control n: 8, FES n: 9). There were no significant differences between the groups for all outcomes at t0, t1 and t2 assessments. Significantly better results were detected in terms of elbow flexor muscles MAS score (p:0.014), upper extremity Fugl-Meyer score (p:0.011), grip strength (p:0.015) and MAL-28 score (p:0.012) within the FES group. The upper extremity Fugl-Meyer score of the control group was found to be significantly higher at repeated measures within the group (p:0.012). Conclusion: Upper extremity FES can be preferred as an additional method in upper limb rehabilitation to improve spasticity, motor functions, handgrip strength and level of independence in performing activities of daily living in stroke patients.