Comparison of Functional Electrical Stimulation with Multi-joints Coordinate Movement and Electric Muscle Stimulation on Mono-joint for Arm Recovery in Hemiplegia

Yoon, Yong Soon; Kang, Ji Young; Kim, Jeoung Hwa

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation(FES) with multi-joints coordinate movement compared to electric muscular stimulation for mono-joint movement in enhancing the upper extremity motor and functional recovery of hemiplegic survivors.
METHODS
Forty patients with hemiplegia were divided into two groups. The FES group received FES to produce hand grip, elbow flexion, elbow extension and hand release in sequence with voluntary movement. Control group received electrical stimulation to produce wrist extension without voluntary movement. All groups received for 20 minutes per session, twice a day, 5 days a week during 4 weeks and under the same occupational and physical therapies during 4 weeks. Outcomes were assessed in a blinded manner with the upper extremity component of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, the self-care component of the Modified Barthel Index(MBI), Upper extremity muscle strength, Wolf Motor Function Test(WMFT), spasticity, and Range of motion(ROM) of shoulder before and after treatment.
RESULTS
There were significant improvements of the power at shoulder & elbow flexion, WMFT, Fugl-Meyer, hand grip, and MBI in both group(p<0.05). ROM of shoulder, the power of wrist extension, and pinch improved only at the FES group(p<0.05). The FES group had better effects at WMFT, Fugl-Meyer, hand grip, pinch, MBI, shoulder ROM, and spasticity after treatment(p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that FES and multi-joints coordinate movements are better than electric muscular stimulation for mono-joint movement to enhance the upper extremity functional recovery in hemiplegia.