Electrical Stimulation and a Dynamic Orthosis for Stroke Recovery

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of a combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ES) and dynamic hand orthosis (DHO) regimen used with a small group of persons with chronic stroke in improving ability to perform daily tasks. Method: Four participants with chronic stroke participated in the combined ES-DHO regimen using the affected upper extremity (UE) five times (5X) per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included grip strength, range of motion (ROM), and analysis of muscle activation/deactivation during release of grasp through electromyography (EMG). Ability to perform daily functional tasks was assessed using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). Results: Preliminary results suggest that improvements in strength, ROM and grasp deactivation are possible with the combined ES-DHO regimen. Ability to perform daily functional tasks improved in all participants. Conclusion: Results should be interpreted cautiously due to the pilot nature of the study and small participant number. Further research in this area is warranted.