What is the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on Improving Upper Extremity Motor Function to IncreaseParticipation in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for Individuals Post Stroke?

Abstract

Background: Every year in the United States (U.S.) there are more than 759,00 people who have a stroke, with about 610,000 of those being the first stroke and about 185,000 people who have had a prior stroke. Individuals post stroke may experience decreased strength, range of motion (ROM), coordination, and motor output, potentially making dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, eating, and completion of household tasks difficult. To address these deficits, OTs can use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in conjunction with a functional activity to stimulate the nerves within a muscle, forcing contractions with the purpose of inducing movement. Aim: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed at determining the effectiveness of NMES on improving upper extremity motor function to increase participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) for individuals post stroke. Methods: Level I and Level II articles were analyzed and included in the CAT if they were published in the last 10 years, peer-reviewed, included individuals clinically diagnosed with a stroke, included both male and female, included NMES intervention on the upper extremity, and studies focused on ADLs and functional performance. Results: Level I and II research completed on NMES interventions of the upper extremity has revealed contradictory evidence on the effectiveness of NMES increasing functional performance and completion of ADLs.