Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With Task Oriented Training on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With Task Oriented Training on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients

The current study aims to determine the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with task-oriented training on upper limb function in patients with stroke.

Upper limb dysfunction following stroke is a major cause of disability, limiting independence in daily activities and reducing quality of life. Improving upper limb function is therefore a primary goal in stroke rehabilitation.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is widely used in clinical practice to manage spasticity, improve muscle strength, enhance joint mobility, and prevent contractures. Task-oriented training, on the other hand, emphasizes functional task performance and motor relearning.

Despite the widespread use of both approaches, there is limited evidence regarding their combined effectiveness. Therefore, this study is important to evaluate whether integrating NMES with task-oriented training can provide superior outcomes in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Forty-five stroke patients both genders (male and female)
• Patients Diagnosed with first-time ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke by their treating neurologists and confirmed by MRI scan.
• Middle cerebral artery stroke patient.
• Their ages range from 55-65 years.
• All patients were reported medically stable by their neurologist with a stroke incidence range between 6 and 24 months.
• The affected UE scored [1+&2] on the modified Ashworth scale (MAS).
• Patients had normal sensation of the affected UE, as measured by the Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA) scale (score 2 for tactile sensation and kinesthesia and score 3 for (stereognosis).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other neurological disorders that cause motor deficits, such as Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus.
• Severe aphasia, resulting in communication difficulties that could influence the intervention and outcome measures.
• Cognitive impairment resulting in cooperation difficulties (a score of ≤24 in the Mini-Mental State Examination).
• Severe pain impeding upper extremity rehabilitation (Numeric Pain Rating Scale score ≥7).
• Significant visual dysfunction.
• severe spasticity (contracture).