[REVIEW] Effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation in improving clinical outcomes in the upper arm following stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Full Text PDF

ABSTRACT

Background: persistent impairment in the upper arm is one of the main challenges in the treatment of stroke patients. Different therapeutic methods are being used to prevent or decrease such long-term impairments. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is one of these methods, which aims to stimulate the nerves of weakened muscles so that the resulting muscle contractions resemble that of a functional task.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the evidence for the effect of FES on 1) shoulder subluxation, 2) pain, and 3) upper arm motor function in stroke patients, when added to conventional therapy.

Methods: From 727 articles retrieved during database searches, 10 articles (9 RCTs, 1 quasi-RCT) were selected for final analysis. For all three considered outcomes, the articles were rated based on the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scores and the Sackett’s levels of evidence. A meta-analysis was also performed for each outcome.

Results: The result of meta-analyses showed a significant reduction in shoulder subluxation in the experimental group compared to the control group, if FES was applied early after stroke. No difference was found for pain and motor function outcomes.

Conclusion: FES can be used to prevent or reduce shoulder subluxation early after stroke. However, FES should not be used to reduce pain or improve upper arm motor function after stroke.

[PDF] Effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation in improving clinical outcomes in the upper arm following stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis