Functional electrical stimulation improves reaching movement in the shoulder and elbow muscles of stroke patients: A three-dimensional motion analysis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Cuesta-Gómez, Alicia^a | Carratalá-Tejada, María^{a; *} | Molina-Rueda, Francisco^a | Miangolarra-Page, Juan Carlos^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Motion Analysis, Ergonomics, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain | [b] Chair of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Fuenlabrada University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: María Carratalá Tejada. Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional, Rehabilitación y Medicina Física. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Alcorcón (Madrid). Avda. de Atenas. s/n. CP.28922. Tel.: +34 914888952; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Background:Recovery of motor function following stroke is essential to restore adequate functionality. The use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology as a neuroprosthesis to enhance the motor function of the UL, and thus facilitate the performance of ADL, could lead to a stroke patient’s greater activity and participation in daily life. Objective:The aim of the present study was to establish whether the application of FES in patients who have suffered a stroke with UL motor impairment is able to modify and facilitate their reaching patterns, measured by a three-dimensional motion capture system. Methods:20 patients with chronic stroke participated in this study. For muscle stimulation, the electrical stimulator Compex® was used. Motion analysis was performed using the VICON Motion System®. Joint movements of the thorax, shoulder and elbow were analyzed in the sagittal plane, during the reaching movement under two different conditions of stimulation: FES condition and placebo condition. Results:Differences between FES condition and placebo condition were observed. In the FES condition it was recorded: an increased shoulder flexion and elbow extension in the reaching movement. Conclusions:Functional electrical stimulation improved reaching movement in stroke patients with upper limb impairment.

Keywords: Electric Stimulation Therapy, Movement disorders, Paresis, Range of Motion, Stroke, Upper extremity.

DOI: 10.3233/RNN-180884

Journal: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 231-238, 2019