Parameter mapping of hemiplegic shoulder electrical stimulation for motor function: a scoping review

What is it about?

We performed a literature search using the terms “stroke”, “shoulder”, and “electricity” to select studies in which electrical stimulation was performed on hemiplegic shoulders after stroke, parameters were described, and upper extremity motor functional assessment was included as an outcome. Of the 449 titles identified, 25 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common electrode positions and parameters (frequency and pulse width) were 30 Hz and 250 μs on the posterior deltoid and supraspinatus (upper trapezius) muscles, respectively. The duration of intervention was 30-60 minutes per day, 5-7 days per week, for 4-5 weeks in more than half of the studies.

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Photo by Inge Poelman on Unsplash

Photo by Inge Poelman on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Electrical stimulation of the shoulder is effective in treating subluxation and shoulder pain. However, few studies have reported on electrical stimulation of the hemiplegic shoulder with motor function as an outcome; thus, the method remains unclear.

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