Neuroscience Insights: Advances in Brain Studies
Review Article Volume: 2 & Issue:1
Abstract
Aim: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis evaluating the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with exercise or conventional training on gait speed in individuals after stroke.
Methods: The databases searched included PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and LILACS. Gray literature sources included Google Scholar, OpenGrey and ProQuest. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool by two blinded reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Outcomes analyzed were gait speed (10MWT/5MWT) in meters per second, with subgroup analyses based on electrode placement, stroke phase, comparator type, intervention duration and FES frequency.
Results: No statistically significant effects were observed for gait speed between FES and control groups (MD = –0.01 m/s; 95% CI: –0.02 to 0.01; p = 0.29; I2 = 0%). Similarly, no significant differences were found across subgroup analyses: electrode placement (p = 0.41), stroke phase (p = 0.55), comparator type (p = 0.38), intervention duration (p = 0.47) or stimulation frequency (p = 0.60), indicating no modification of treatment effect in any category assessed.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that functional electrical stimulation did not provide additional benefits in improving gait speed when combined with conventional rehabilitation after stroke. Despite the consistency and low heterogeneity observed, further high-quality and standardized clinical trials are needed to determine whether specific patient subgroups may respond differently to FES.