Examining a new functional electrical stimulation therapy with people with severe upper extremity hemiparesis and chronic stroke: A feasibility study

No clue what the objective diagnosis of impairment was so this research is impossible to repeat. What a waste.  Fugl-Meyer is uselessly subjective and has zero discrimination. Chedoke-McMaster has exactly the same problems. Some day there will objective 3d measurements of dead and damaged areas, only then will research become repeatable. Can't tell if any patients had spasticity.
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0308022617719807

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Deborah A Hebert, James M Bowen, Cindy Ho, ...

First Published August 21, 2017 Research Article

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Abstract

Introduction

Upper extremity impairment post-stroke is common and results in decreased occupational engagement. For those with chronic stroke and severe hemiparesis, few treatment options are available. MyndMove™ is a functional electrical stimulation technology programmed to stimulate up to eight muscle groups in reach and grip patterns. A pre–post, cohort, feasibility study was conducted to inform the design of a randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of MyndMove™ therapy.

Methods

Individuals enrolled had chronic severe upper extremity hemiparesis following a stroke (> 6 months) with Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment Stage 1–2 (arm and hand) and a Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score less than 19. Treatment with Myndmove™, consisting of 20 one-hour sessions, 3–5 times per week over 4–6 weeks was provided.

Results

Of 25 enrolled participants, 24 (96%) completed treatment. Fifty-eight percent (14/24) of the participants demonstrated improvement equal to or exceeding the minimal clinically important difference of five on the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity test. Mean change from baseline Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity overall score was 7.1 (SD 5.0) (p < 0.001). Mean time to complete treatment was 40 days (SD 6.0).

Conclusion

MyndMove™ therapy is feasible to deliver within outpatient settings and may be a suitable function-based treatment option for severe chronic stroke upper extremity impairment.