To stimulate or not to stimulate? A rapid systematic review of repetitive sensory stimulation for the upper-limb following stroke

Authors

  • Rachel C. Stockley Stroke Research Team, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
  • Kerry Hanna School of Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
  • Louise Connell School of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-020-00091-x

Keywords:

Sensory stimulation, Upper limb, Stroke, Nerve stimulation, Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) is a therapeutic approach which involves repeated electrical stimulation of the skin’s surface to improve function. This rapid systematic review aimed to describe the current evidence for repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) in rehabilitation of the upper-limb for people who have had a stroke. Main text: Methods: Relevant studies were identified in a systematic search of electronic databases and handsearching in February 2020. The findings of included studies were synthesized to describe: the safety of RSS, in whom and when after stroke it has been used, the doses used and its effectiveness. Results: Eight studies were included. No serious adverse events were reported. The majority of studies used RSS in participants with mild or moderate impairments and in the chronic stage after stroke. Four studies used RSS in a single treatment session, reporting significant improvements in strength and hand function. Findings from longitudinal studies showed few significant differences between control and experimental groups. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of included studies. Conclusions: This review suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of RSS for the upper-limb after stroke in clinical practice. However, this review highlights several clear research priorities including establishing the mechanism and in whom RSS may work, its safety and optimal treatment parameters to improve function of the upper-limb after stroke.

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Published

2020-11-30

How to Cite

Stockley, R. C., Hanna, K., & Connell, L. (2020). To stimulate or not to stimulate? A rapid systematic review of repetitive sensory stimulation for the upper-limb following stroke. Archives of Physiotherapy, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-020-00091-x

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