Low-frequency electrical stimulation can improve ability in the activities of daily living soon after stroke

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy of low-frequency electrical stimulation (LES) in improving ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) of subjects after a recent stroke. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, 37 subjects with a first stroke were randomly divided into an electrical stimulation (ES) group and a control group. In the ES group (n = 19 ) electrodes were applied on the motor points of the tibialis anterior, the peroneal longus and the peroneus brevis muscles. Stimulation current was applied at an intensity set to cause full ankle extension. The stimulus pulse was a symmetric biphasic wave with frequency of 30 Hz, a pulse width of 200 μs, a duty cycle of 5 s on and 5 s off ramped up and down for 1 s each and amplitude up to 90 mA. The current amplitude was adjusted according to each subject's comfort. Stimulation lasted for 30 min/d, 5 d/week for 3 weeks. All subjects in the 2 groups also received a standard rehabilitation program. Evaluations included the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) for the lower extremity and the modified Barthel index (MBI) for ADL ability. Measurements were recorded before treatment and after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment. Results Before treatment there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, time post-stroke, stroke severity or the baseline measurements. After 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, the FMA scores in the ES group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The MBI scores in the ES group were also significantly higher than in the control group. The average MBI transferring, walking and stair climbing scores in the ES group were all significantly higher than those in the control group after either 2 or 3 weeks. Conclusion Three weeks of LES can improve ADL ability soon after stroke. Key words: Low-frequency electrical stimulation; Stroke; Activities of daily living