Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy to Conventional Therapy in Incomplete Tetraplegia

Authors

Kim D Anderson
Radha Korupolu
Kristin E Musselman
Jacqueline Pierce
James R Wilson
Nuray Yozbatiran
Naaz Desai
Milos R Popovic
Lehana Thabane

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Loss of upper extremity function after tetraplegia results in significant disability. Emerging evidence from pilot studies suggests that functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy may enhance recovery of upper extremity function after tetraplegia. The aim of this trial was to determine the effectiveness of FES therapy delivered by the Myndmove stimulator in people with tetraplegia.

METHODS: A multi-center

RESULTS: Between June 2019 to August 2021, 51 participants were randomized to FES (

CONCLUSION: Forty sessions of FES therapy delivered by the MyndMove stimulator are as effective as conventional therapy in producing meaningful functional improvements that persist after therapy is completed. Limitations of this study include the impact of COVID-19 limiting the ability to recruit the target sample size and per-protocol execution of the study in one-third of the participants.

REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03439319.

Comments

Supplementary Materials

PMID: 36188946