Influence of Sensory Electrical Stimulation on Hand Functions in Chronic Stroke Patients

Influence of Sensory Electrical Stimulation on Hand Functions in Chronic Stroke Patients

This study investigates the impact of sensory electrical nerve stimulation (SENS) on hand function in chronic stroke patients. Thirty participants were randomly divided into two groups:

Study Group (A): Received SENS combined with task-specific training.

Control Group (B): Received only task-specific training.

Assessments conducted before and after the intervention included measurements of grip strength, pinch strength, wrist range of motion, and performance on the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).

This study explores the effectiveness of sensory electrical nerve stimulation (SENS) in enhancing hand function among chronic stroke patients. Thirty participants were randomly divided into two groups:

Study Group (A): Received SENS combined with task-specific training.

Control Group (B): Received only task-specific training.

Assessment Methods:

Before and after the intervention, both groups underwent evaluations using:

Grip Dynamometer: To measure grip strength.

Pinch Dynamometer: To assess pinch strength.

Digital Goniometer: To determine wrist flexion and extension range of motion.

Action Research Arm Test (ARAT): To evaluate upper limb functional performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have experienced their first-ever ischemic stroke in the carotid system domain.
• Age range: 40 to 65 years old.
• Duration of illness: 30 to 180 days since stroke onset.
• Spasticity of the affected hand muscles (wrist flexors, finger flexors, and finger adductors) must be grade 1+ or less according to the Modified Ashworth Scale.
• Hand dysfunction severity ranges from mild to severe, defined by a score of ≤ 4 on the Medical Research Council Scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a deformity in the paralytic upper limb before the stroke.
• History of a lower motor neuron lesion in the impaired upper extremity (e.g., polyneuropathy) before the stroke.
• Skin abrasions or ulcerations on the affected upper limb.
• Unstable health conditions, including cardiac dysfunction, end-stage renal failure, unstable diabetes, or uncontrolled hypertension (>190/110).
• Presence of a pacemaker or other implanted electrically sensitive devices.
• Significant orthopedic conditions or chronic pain syndromes.
• Chronic use of medications that may influence motor or sensory excitability (e.g., anti-epileptic or antipsychotic drugs).
• Pregnancy.