Efficacy of electrical stimulation on shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy of electrical stimulation on shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke, and compare the curative effect of different electrical stimulation therapies. MethodsThe randomized controlled trials (RCT) about the effect of electrical stimulation on shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke were retrieved from eight databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, VIP and Wanfang data, from the establishment to February 14th, 2023. Two researchers selected and screened the literature, and evaluated the quality of methodology independently. RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14.0 software were used for meta-analysis and network meta-analysis, respectively. ResultsA total of 18 RCT were selected, including 1 310 cases. Compared to conventional rehabilitation therapy alone, electrical stimulation combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy could improve the scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (MD = 8.17, 95%CI 6.90 to 9.45, P < 0.001) and modified Barthel Index (MD = 11.80, 95%CI 10.18 to 13.42, P < 0.001), and reduce the Visual Analogue Score (MD = -1.68, 95%CI -2.03 to -1.32, P < 0.001) and edema score (MD = -0.98, 95%CI -1.18 to -0.79, P < 0.001). The best effect of improving upper limb function followed as intermediate frequency electrotherapy, electroacupuncture, low frequency electrotherapy and routine rehabilitation therapy. The best effect of improving pain followed as electroacupuncture, intermediate frequency electrotherapy, low frequency electrotherapy and routine rehabilitation therapy. ConclusionElectrical stimulation therapy can relieve pain and edema of patients with shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke, and improve upper limb activity and activities of daily living. Intermediate frequency electrotherapy is the best in improving upper limb function, and electroacupuncture is the best in relieving pain.