The effect of the functional stimulation of the abdominal muscles on functional activity in patients with stroke: a feasiblity [sic] study

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. Stroke results in a loss of movement on one side of the body and patients have trouble moving the trunk in relation to the pull of gravity, regardless of which muscle action is required. Re-educating the function of the trunk muscles is essential in successful rehabilitation of patients with stroke. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) of the abdominal muscles is an intervention which may result in increasing the activation of these muscles and improving proximal stability and function. However the effects of FES, although proved useful in other muscles groups, have not been tested when applied to the abdominal muscle in patients who have had a stroke. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of FES of the abdominals on th e functional recovery in patients with stroke, when used as part of physiotherapy treatment. Secondary aims are to document the content of physiotherapy received during rehabilitation and compare it to that of published literature.