Introduction: Exercise therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) during the initial 14 days after stroke may benefit recovery of gait. We aimed to determine whether poststroke NMES of vastus medial and tibial muscles during exercise therapy is more effective than exercise therapy alone.
Materials And Methods: In this proof-of-concept randomised trial patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke and a leg paresis (40-85 years of age) were randomised (1:1) to 10 min of daily NMES + exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone. Primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in 6 min Walk Test (6MWT) at 90 days post stroke estimated with a mixed regression model. Secondary outcomes included 10 m Walk Test, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, Guralnik Timed Standing Balance, Sit to Stand, Timed Up and Go, EQ-5D-5L, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Becks Depression Inventory.
Results: 50 stroke survivors (25 in each group) with a mean age of 67 years (range 43-83) were included. An insignificant between-group difference in change of 28.3 m (95%CI -16.0 to 72.6, p = 0.23, adjusted for baseline) in 6MWT at 90-days follow-up was found, in favour of the NMES group. All secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant between-group difference. The conclusion was that adding NMES to exercise therapy had no effect on poststroke walking distance measured by the 6 MWT or any of the secondary outcomes.
Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept RCT, we demonstrated that NMES in addition to exercise therapy during the first 14 days after onset of ischemic stroke did not improve walking distance or any of the secondary outcomes. Future studies with a longer trial period, stratifying patients into subgroups with comparable patterns of expected spontaneous recovery - if possible within 48 h post stroke, and greater sample size, than in this study are suggestions of how rehabilitation research could go on exploring the potential for NMES as an amplifier in stroke recovery.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106050 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Recovery process of patients with iliac vein compression syndrome after stenting: a grounded theory study.
BMC Cardiovasc Disord
January 2025
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia.
Background: Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) impedes venous blood return from the lower extremities due to iliac vein compression, manifesting as leg swelling, varicose veins, and thrombosis. These symptoms significantly degrade quality of life. Although iliac vein stenting provides symptomatic relief, the recovery process is protracted and fraught with challenges such as in-stent restenosis and psychological distress.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRelationship among depression, fatigue, and sleep after traumatic brain injury: The role of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy.
Exp Neurol
January 2025
Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil; Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil. Electronic address:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a burdensome condition frequently associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Although the exact molecular signaling pathways have not yet been fully defined, the compromised integrity of functional brain networks in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex has been linked to persistent symptoms, including depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders. Understanding how TBI affects neural physiology enables the development of effective interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe inclusion and consideration of cultural differences and health inequalities in physical activity behaviour in the UK - the impact of guidelines and initiatives.
Prog Cardiovasc Dis
January 2025
Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), UK; Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Science, Coventry University, UK.
Despite widespread attempts from governments and leading health organisations worldwide to promote equity in healthy living medicine, the evidence suggests that attempts to curb worsening public health have been almost entirely ineffective. Despite significant advancements in knowledge, medicine, and technology, as well as the promotion of guidelines and the implementation of numerous global initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and mitigating the progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, substantial work remains to be undertaken particularly in addressing inequalities in physical activity. Achieving equitable access to health resources and parity in health outcomes remains a critical and unresolved challenge.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTesting an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Platform in the Context of Traumatic Brain Injury: PRiORiTy Usability Study.
JMIR Form Res
January 2025
Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health issue and a leading cause of death and disability globally. Advances in clinical care have improved survival rates, leading to a growing population living with long-term effects of TBI, which can impact physical, cognitive, and emotional health. These effects often require continuous management and individualized care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAsymptomatic female softball pitchers have altered hip morphology and cartilage composition.
Sci Rep
January 2025
La Trobe Sport & Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Few studies have explored hip morphology and cartilage composition in female athletes or the impact of asymmetric repetitive loading, such as occurs during softball pitching. The current cross-sectional study assessed bilateral bony hip morphology on computed tomography imaging in collegiate-level softball pitchers ('Pitch1', n = 25) and cross-country runners ('Run', n = 13). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess cartilage relaxation times in a second cohort of pitchers ('Pitch2', n = 10) and non-athletic controls ('Con', n = 4).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!