Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) compared with no active treatment on limb and overall function in patients with limb motor dysfunction after stroke.

Authors' recommendations: Most published research on this question reported positive results, although benefits were often not observed at longer-term follow-up. The studies generally suffered from substantial methodological weaknesses, and the more satisfactory studies tended to find that FES was less effective. Other problems affect applicability of the studies. For example, outcomes measures were often more related to improvements in anatomy or limb movement than ability to carry out daily activities. Effects of FES may well depend on time since the stroke, which varied among studies. Details of FES regimens were sometimes not well described. The evidence reviewed suggests that FES may have beneficial effects, but is beset by too many weaknesses to be considered conclusive.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Bazian Ltd, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development