Low TENS treatment on post-stroke paretic arm: a three-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether stroke patients with initial increases in arm motor recovery following low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (low TENS) treatment go on to show long-term benefits. Also whether the same therapy results in long-term improvements in motor function, spasticity or activities of daily living (ADL).

DESIGN

A three-year follow-up study.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-eight stroke patients, who had participated in a randomized trial of daily treatment with low-frequency (1.7 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (low TENS) on the paretic arm for three months starting 6-12 months after stroke.

OUTCOMES

Fugl-Meyer Motor Performance Scale for evaluation of changes in arm motor function. A 6-point Ashworth Scale to measure spasticity. Barthel Index to evaluate performance in ADL.

RESULTS

Motor function of the paretic arm had deteriorated in both treatment and control groups. Increased spasticity was seen in both groups. ADL score remained at a similar level in the low TENS group, whereas the control group had deteriorated during the same time period.

CONCLUSIONS

Low TENS stimulation started 6-12 months after stroke may not have a specific effect on arm motor function years after completion of treatment.