Hwang S, Song CS. Rehabilitative effects of electrical stimulation on gait performance in stroke patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis.
NeuroRehabilitation 2024;
54:185-197. [PMID:
38306066 DOI:
10.3233/nre-230360]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Electrical stimulation techniques are widely utilized for rehabilitation management in individuals with stroke patients.
OBJECTIVES
This review aims to summarize the rehabilitative effects of electrical stimulation therapy on gait performance in stroke patients.
METHODS
This review included randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the therapeutic effects of electrical stimulation in stroke patients throughout five databases. This review qualitatively synthesized 20 studies and quantitatively analyzed 11 RCTs.
RESULTS
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) was the most commonly used electrical stimulation type to improve postural stability and gait performance in stroke patients. The clinical measurement tools commonly used in the three studies to assess the therapeutic effects of FES were Berg balance scale (BBS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), 6-minute walk test (6mWT), and gait velocity. The BBS score and gait velocity had positive effects in the FES group compared with the control group, but the 10MWT and 6mWT showed the same effects between the two groups. The heterogeneity of BBS scores was also high.
CONCLUSION
The results of this review suggest that electrical stimulation shows little evidence of postural stability and gait performance in stroke patients, although some electrical stimulations showed positive effects on postural stability and gait performance.
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