[ARTICLE] The Recovery of Complicated Upper Limbs Movement Functions of Poststroke Patients – Full Text PDF

Abstract: In chronic stage of stroke, it is necessary to pay attention to the complex spatial movements training along with the traditional restoration of balance, strength of particular muscles, and paretic limb joints mobility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of robotic therapy in the recovery of upper limb function in the chronic stage of stroke. The study involved 52 patients with ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery. The patients were divided randomly into 2 groups. All patients (5 days/wk × 3 wk) got gymnastics by the standard technique, massage, laser, and pulsed currents therapy. Main group patients (n = 36) extra received complex spatial movements, speed, fluidity, precision and agility training by the robotic electromechanical device Multi Joint System (MJS) (40 minutes, 5 days/wk × 3 wk). Analysis of the results of the study showed a statistically significant difference in improving ROM of the elbow and shoulder joints, speed and accuracy of movement in the main group compared with the control. Hardware recovery of complex spatial upper limb movements in the chronic stage of stroke increases the functionality and independence of the patient’s domestic skills.

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[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