STROKE-NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (NMES)

SUMMARY

NMES can be used to improve motor recovery, reduce pain and spasticity, strengthen muscles and increase range of motion following stroke.

THREE FORMS
1. Cyclic NMES: contracts paretic muscles on a pre-set schedule and does not require participation on the part of the patient. May be beneficial for improving motor function.

2. EMG triggered NMES: used for patients who are able to partially activate a paretic muscle and may have a greater therapeutic effect. May be beneficial for improving dexterity, spasticity & ROM.

3. Functional electrical stimulation (FES): refers to the application of NMES to help achieve a functional task. E.g. FES-based neural orthosis for gait cycle. May be beneficial for improving dexterity.

Reference(s)

Teasell, R., Hussein, N., Mirkowski, M., Vanderlaan, D., Saikaley, M., Longval, M. and Iruthayarajah, J., 2020. Hemiplegic Upper Extremity Rehabilitation. [online] Ebrsr.com. Available at: Ebrsr.com [Accessed 11 November 2020].

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.