A pilot study in preparation for an investigation into the effects of electrical stimulation on recovery of hand sensation and function in stroke patients

Mann, G.E., Malone, L., Taylor, P.N. and Burridge, J.H. (2001) A pilot study in preparation for an investigation into the effects of electrical stimulation on recovery of hand sensation and function in stroke patients. Mayr, Winfried, Bijak, Manfred and Jancik, Christine (eds.) In Proceedings: 7th Vienna International Workshop on Functional Electrical Stimulation. University of Vienna. pp. 210-213 .

Abstract

An important aim of rehabilitation therapy for the upper limb following stroke is the recovery of motor function. Recovery of sensation is also thought to have an effect on functional recovery.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on motor and sensory recovery in the upper limb and to establish their relative contributions to functional ability.
Subjects, within one year following a first stroke, were randomised into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received electrical stimulation of elbow and wrist extensors and the control group, elbow, wrist and finger extension exercises. Upper limb function was assessed using the Action Research Arm Test. In addition the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test was performed and hand sensation was assessed using the static Two Point Discrimination Test. Twelve subjects have completed the treatment stage of the study, 6 in the stimulation group and 6 in the control group.
This paper presents the results of the Action Research Arm Test for 12 subjects who have completed the treatment phase of the study.

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