Optimal multi-field functional electrical stimulation parameters for the drinking task- reaching phase and related upper limb kinematics repeatability in post stroke subjects

Background: No specific guidelines for the management of functional electrical stimulation (FES) parame-ters in post stroke patients have been defined yet, despite its frequent use. The purpose of this study is to characterize the optimal FES parameters that assist the reaching phase of drinking task (drinking task -reaching phase) on post stroke subjects and to analyze the related upper limb (UL) movement quality indicators repeatability. Methods: An observational study with a test and re-test design involving ten post stroke subjects with UL dysfunction was performed. End-point and joint kinematics of contralesional UL were assessed during the drinking task -reaching phase with FES through a test and retest design. FES parameters were adjusted to improve UL function according to a consensus between physiotherapists and patients' perspective. Findings: It was possible to establish reliable FES parameters that assisted the drinking task -reaching phase. All FES parameters presented high to very high repeatability and led to moderate to very high repeatability in almost UL movement quality indicators during the drinking task -reaching phase. Interpretation: These findings show that the main characteristics of FES parameters that improves patient perception of change are quite stable, which facilitate its implementation in clinical practice by allowing consistence between intervention sessions. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the optimal functional electrical stimulation (FES) parameters that assist the reaching phase of drinking task (drinking task-reaching phase) in post stroke patients and analyze the repeatability of related upper limb movement quality indicators. Reliable FES parameters were established by adjusting them to improve upper limb function based on a consensus between physiotherapists and patients' perspective. The findings showed that the main characteristics of FES parameters that improve patient perception of change are stable, facilitating its implementation in clinical practice and ensuring consistency between intervention sessions.