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

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 (R) was used. Motion analysis was performed using the VICON Motion System (R). 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.