[ARTICLE] The immediate effect of FES and TENS on gait parameters in patients after stroke – Full Text PDF

Abstract.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to compare the immediate effects of different electrotherapies on the gait parameters for stroke patients.

[Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned either to the functional electrical stimulation group or the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, with 15 patients in each group. Each electrotherapy was performed for 30 minutes simultaneously with the therapeutic exercise, and the changes in the spatial and temporal parameters of gait were measured.

[Results] After the intervention, a significant, immediate improvement in cadence and speed was observed only in the functional electrical stimulation group.

[Conclusion] Based on this study, functional electrical stimulation that stimulates motor nerves of the dorsiflexor muscles on the paretic side is recommended to achieve immediate improvement in the gait ability of stroke patients.[…]

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[REVIEW] INFLUENCE OF TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION ON SPASTICITY, BALANCE, AND WALKING SPEED IN STROKE PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS – Full Text PDF

Objective: To evaluate the influence of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with stroke through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation vs placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on stroke were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcome was modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model.

Results: Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation supplementation significantly reduced MAS (standard mean difference (SMD) = –0.71; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = –1.11 to –0.30; p =0.0006), improved static balance with open eyes (SMD = –1.26; 95% CI = –1.83
to –0.69; p<0.0001) and closed eyes (SMD = –1.74; 95% CI = –2.36 to –1.12; p < 0.00001), and increased walking speed (SMD = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.84; p = 0.03), but did not improve results on the Timed Up and Go Test (SMD = –0.60; 95% CI=–1.22 to 0.03; p = 0.06).

Conclusion: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is associated with significantly reduced spasticity, increased static balance and walking speed, but has no influence on dynamic balance.

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[VIDEO] Difference Between EMS Electrical Muscle Stimulation and TENS – YouTube

TENS vs EMS: the main difference between the two: TENS stimulates the nerves – the rationale being that the simulation keeps pain signals from reaching the brain. EMS causes the muscles to contract – by mimicking the action potential that comes from the central nervous system.Muscle Stimulation EMS stands for electronic muscle stimulation. These units are designed to provide relief by stimulating the muscles …Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS) use electrotherapy to stimulate the nerves and active therapeutic healing. Electronic Muscle Stimulators (EMS), on the other hand, sends electric impulses that cause muscle contraction.EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation, is the use of electrical pulses to generate a muscle contraction. EMS is typically used to enhance muscle …Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Skeletal Muscle Function … nerve stimulation (TENS), and functional electrical stimulation (FES). ….. withdrawal of ES are present across different types of applications, such as …EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) vs TENS. EMS or Electrical Muscle Stimulation, which is also referred to as neuromuscular electrical …The biggest difference between TENS and EMS is that TENS is designed to stimulate … The electrical muscle stimulation of an EMS device induces muscle …A TENS unit stimulates the nerve endings while the EMS unit stimulates the muscles. Amazingly enough, electrical stimulation of the nerves dates back to ancient Rome … pain reduction begins to last longer and the time between sessions lengthens. … The EMS units are specifically used to prevent atrophied muscles or for …Whether looking for a tool to boost your fitness and strength or recover from an injury quickly, electric muscle stimulation (EMS or NMES) can …

[Abstract] Effects of sit-to-stand training combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation on spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled study

Highlights

• •The effect of sit-to-stand training combined with TENS was evaluated in stroke patients with spastic plantar flexor.
• •TENS followed by sit-to-stand training may improve spasticity, muscle strength and balance.
• •Clinician should consider TENS application prior to sit to stand training for stroke patients with spastic plantar flexor.

Abstract

Sit-to-stand is a fundamental movement of human being for performing mobility and independent activity. However, Stroke people symptoms experience difficulty in conducting the sit-to-stand due to paralysis and especially ankle spasticity. Recently, transcutaneous electrical- stimulation (TENS) is used to reduce pain but also to manage spasticity.

The purpose of this study was to determine

1. whether TENS would lead to ankle spasticity reduction and (
2. whether sit-to-stand training combined with TENS would improve spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in stroke patients.

Forty-stroke patients were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups: TENS group (n = 20) and sham group (n = 20). All participants underwent 30-sessions of sit-to-stand training (for 15-minutes, five-times per week for 6-weeks). Prior to each training session, 30-minutes of TENS over the peroneal nerve was given in TENS group, whereas sham group received non-electrically stimulated TENS for the same amount of time. Composite-Spasticity-Score was used to assess spasticity level of ankle plantar-flexors. Isometric strength in the extensor of hip, knee and ankle were measured by handhelddynamometer. Postural-sway distance was measured using a force platform.

The spasticity score in the TENS group (2.6 ± 0.8) improved significantly greater than the sham group (0.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.05). The muscle strength of hip extensor in the TENS group (2.7 ± 1.1 kg) was significantly higher than the sham group (1.0 ± 0.8 kg, p < 0.05). Significant improvement in postural-sway was observed in the TENS group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05).

Thus, sit-to-stand training combined with TENS may be used to improve the spasticity, balance function and muscle strength in stroke patients.

Source: Effects of sit-to-stand training combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation on spasticity, muscle strength and balance ability in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled study – Gait & Posture

[REVIEW] Upper Extremity Interventions | EBRSR – Evidence-Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation – Full Text PDF

Abstract

Upper extremity complications are common following stroke and may be seriously debilitating. Regaining mobility in the upper extremities is often more difficult than in lower extremities, which can seriously impact the progress of rehabilitation. A large body of research exists around upper extremity complications but debate continues regarding the timing of treatment and adequate prognostic factors. This review provides current information regarding upper extremity interventions. Topics include robotic devices for movement therapy, virtual reality technology, spasticity treatment, EMG/biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, functional electric stimulation, and hand edema treatment. Neurodevelopmental upper extremity therapy techniques are reviewed along with repetitive/task-specific training, sensorimotor interventions, hand splinting and constraint induced movement therapy.

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via Upper Extremity Interventions | EBRSR – Evidence-Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation.