Advances in neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the upper limb post-stroke

Hayward, Kathryn S., Barker, Ruth N. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2010) Advances in neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the upper limb post-stroke. Physical Therapy Reviews, 15 4: 309-319.


Author Hayward, Kathryn S.
Barker, Ruth N.
Brauer, Sandra G.
Title Advances in neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the upper limb post-stroke
Journal name Physical Therapy Reviews  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2010-08
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1179/174328810X12786297204918
Volume number 15
Issue number 4
ISSN 1083-3196
1743-288X
Start page 309
End page 319
Total pages 11
Place of publication Leeds, W. Yorks., United Kingdom
Publisher Maney Publishing
Language eng
Formatted abstract Objectives: To review current and explore future applications of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to restore or retrain upper limb (UL) recovery after stroke.
Methods: Short summaries of NMES applications that have been investigated and a discussion of future research directions are presented.
Results: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation applications that have been developed and investigated to restore or retrain UL recovery after stroke include: cyclic NMES; triggered NMES which includes electromyogram-triggered NMES (EMG-NMES), positional feedback NMES, contralateral-triggered NMES, outcome-triggered NMES and accelerometer-triggered NMES; iterative learning control mediated NMES; and neuroprostheses such as the Bioness H200. Overall, published studies of these applications indicate that NMES can improve UL function after stroke, with improvements at the impairment level more common than improvements at the activity level. While EMG-NMES has been researched most widely and has the highest level of evidence to support its use, newer applications (e.g. outcome-triggered NMES, accelerometer-triggered NMES) appear promising, on the basis that key requirements for motor learning are employed.
Discussion: There are several areas for further research of NMES to achieve greater functional gains at the activity level than are currently achieved post-stroke. These include the use of NMES to retrain multijoint movements; and exploration of single- versus multichannel stimulation, cortical changes that occur after NMES, and NMES with other technologies. Use of NMES to restore or retrain UL function after stroke has come a long way and presents exciting challenges for research and clinicians in the future.
Keyword Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Stroke
Upper limb
Rehabilitation
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status UQ
Additional Notes Issue title: Electrophysical Agents

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: ERA 2012 Admin Only
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Publications
 
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Created: Fri, 14 Oct 2011, 16:21:56 EST by Associate Professor Sandy Brauer on behalf of School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences