Objective. To test if functional electrical stimulation (FES) can enhance the recovery of upper extremity function during early stroke rehabilitation. Methods. Open-label block-randomized trial, begun inpatient rehabilitation and continued at patients' home. Patients were assigned to either FES combined with task-specific (n = 7) or a control group that received therapy alone 8) over 12 weeks. Outcome measures . Hand (Box & Blocks, B&B; Jebsen-Taylor light object lift, J-T) motor...

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is used by physical therapists to improve muscle performance. Optimal forms of settings are yet be determined, as possible sex-related differences in responsiveness stimulation. The objectives the study were: (1) compare ability 3 different waveforms generate isometric contractions quadriceps femoris muscles individuals without known impairments, (2) fatigue caused repeated induced these same waveforms, and (3) examine effect sex on force production...

To test if a combined stimulation-training program can improve selected hand functions and impairments of chronic stroke survivors.Pretest-Posttest, multi-site 5-week training program. Stroke survivors (N = 77) with upper limb paresis completed home-based stimulation combining activation the wrist-fingers flexors extensors functional grasp, hold release training. Subjects trained 2-3 times each day, 7 days week. Outcome measures included: Jebsen-Taylor simulated feeding (S-feed); light...

This nonblinded, block-randomized clinical trial tested the hypothesis that task-oriented functional electrical stimulation (FES) can enhance recovery of upper-extremity volitional motor control and ability in patients with poor prognosis.Ischemic stroke survivors (FES + exercise group, n = 13, 17.4 +/- 7.6 days after stroke, exercise-only group 23.8 10.9 stroke) trained task-specific exercises, 30 min, twice each day. The FES practiced exercises combined enabled opening closing paretic hand...

This study investigated the efficacy of a pulsatile electrical current to shorten neuromuscular conduction latencies and minimize clinical residuals in patients with chronic facial nerve damage caused by Bell's palsy or acoustic neuroma excision.The group included 12 (mean age 50.4 +/- 12. 3 years) idiopathic 5 45.6 10.7 whose nerves were surgically sacrificed. The mean time since onset paresis/paralysis was 3.7 years (range 1-7 7.2 6-9 for excision groups, respectively.Motor latencies,...

The purposes of this investigation were to determine the effect five commonly used voltage waveforms (four pulsed and one sinusoidal) on excitation sensory motor nerves characterize variables associated with reaching threshold.Eighteen healthy subjects stimulated during session via surface electrodes placed over forearm leg.Stimulation amplitude was increased at a constant rate, threshold determined. Measured included peak voltage, current, phase charge, total pulse charge.Three-factorial,...

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects electrode size on thresholds sensory and motor excitation, strongest excitation without pain perception, coupled with maximally tolerated painful stimulation. A high voltage stimulator monophasic pulsatile current applied quadriceps femoris muscles 14 healthy subjects. Voltage output, pulse-charge density, isometric muscle torque were measured during random application four pairs measuring 3 X 3, 6 6, 9 9, 5 16.2 cm. Results indicated a...

Nearly half of all veterans are 65 years and older, they have a higher prevalence functional disabilities compared to the nonveteran population. Balance impairments resulting in injurious falls leading cause morbidity mortality older adults. Instability or fear falling can significantly reduce physical activity social participation, even absence falls. Dysmobility is factor long-care admissions, therefore, maintenance mobility throughout aging crucial. Recent evidence indicates lower...

Background. Noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) is being investigated as a valued intervention to enhance motor performance. Objective. To ascertain safety and ability transcranial pulsed current (tPCS) modulate variables protective stepping gait individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Method. Ten patients participated in pilot study. During first session, tPCS delivered for 20 minutes via positive electrode placed over primary area (M1). In week 2, participants walked on...

The purpose of this study was to test the effect electrical stimulation and volitional exercise on abdominal muscle strength endurance. Changes voltage, current, tissue resistance were analyzed determine conditioning stimulation. Subjects randomly assigned a control, (S), exercise, or combined with (ES) groups. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction endurance data recorded. In three experimental groups, number repetitions time sustained increased by predetermined amount during 4 weeks...

Abstract Background and Purpose. This study tested the safety ability of subjects with chronic hemiplegia to tolerate intensive training using a motorized cycle combined functional electrical stimulation (FES) system. Methods. A case series 10 stroke participated in 30‐minute three times per week cycling on stationary system FES (RT300 TM ). The activated dorsal plantar flexors, quadriceps hamstrings four channels pattern that assisted motion paretic lower limb. Patients were instructed as...

Purpose: To propose and test a new measure to quantify residual deficits (Rd) following stroke provide preliminary evidence supporting its usefulness. Methods: Patients (N = 46) were stratified based on projected rate of upper extremity recovery randomly assigned task-oriented (control) or plus functional electrical stimulation (FES) training groups. All performed the Box & Blocks Jebsen-Taylor light object lift tests with nonparetic paretic extremities. A modified Fugl-Meyer was extremity....

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy a new computerized neu romuscular electric stimulation system (Handmaster™) in improving selected im pairments and functional measures patients who survived stroke traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: Survivors (n = 13) TBI 7) with chronic paralysis lasting 6.8 ± 7.8 years (range 1 29 years) participated home program elec trical stimulation. device is hybrid hand-forearm splint that incorporates five surface electrodes electrical...

Abstract Background Impaired movement preparation of both anticipatory postural adjustments and goal directed as shown by a marked reduction in the incidence StartReact responses during standing reaching task was reported individuals with stroke. We tested how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over region premotor areas (PMAs) primary motor area (M1) affect planning Methods Each subject performed two sessions tDCS lesioned hemisphere on different days: cathodal PMAs...