Multi-field Functional Electrical Stimulation for Distal Upper-limb Rehabilitation After Subacute Stroke: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Multi-field Functional Electrical Stimulation for Distal Upper-limb Rehabilitation After Subacute Stroke: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and safety of multi-field FES-assisted therapy for hand rehabilitation in individuals with subacute stroke. A secondary, exploratory objective is to estimate preliminary effect sizes for distal upper-limb motor outcomes to inform the design of future adequately powered trials.

Fesia Grasp rehabilitation will be compared with usual care rehabilitation of upper limb.

• Experimental group: patients will receive Fesia Grasp therapy (intensive, repetitive and functional exercises assisted by functional electrical stimulation)
• Control group - patients will receive standard care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years old or older subjects with hemiparesis in the upper limb after stroke, which have been referred to the Rehabilitation Unit of the Reina University Hospital.
• Unilateral paresis
• Cognitive ability to assimilate and actively participate in the protocol of evaluation and treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Very severe proximal spasticity: Ashworth > 3.
• Psychiatric illness (including post-stroke depression).
• Cognitive impairment.
• Inability to provide informed consent.
• Other severe medical problems.
• Severe hemi-spatial neglect or anosognosia involving the affected arm.
• Pacemakers
• Pregnant women.
• Skin ulcers.
• Peripheral neuropathies.
• Edema of the affected forearm and / or hand.
• Severe pain.