The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using electrical stimulation to improve upper extremity function in stroke survivors who receive botulinum toxin injections for spasticity. We hypothesize that individuals who receive the electrical stimulation could demonstrate improved benefit of the botulinum toxin injections and improved functional use of their weaker upper extremity.
This is a pragmatic investigation that will utilize a two group comparison to compare electrical stimulation to a sham stimulation in individuals who are scheduled to receive botulinum toxin injections to their upper extremity for spasticity management. The electrical stimulation will be to the antagonist muscles of the injected muscles of the upper extremity and will be administered for 4 weeks post injections.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
28
Upper extremity neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Sensory only upper extremity electrical stimulation
TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, Texas, United States
Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment Measure- Arm and Hand Recovery Stage
Impairment level assessment to measure changes in active motor control and isolated movement in the upper extremity. The arm and the hand receive a separate score. The score ranges from 1 to 7. A higher score indicates better arm function.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 6 months after injections
Action Research Arm Test
Standardized measure of upper extremity function. The total score ranges from 0-57. A higher score indicates better arm function.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 6 months
Box and Block Test
Standardized measure of upper extremity function. The score is the number of blocks transported within one minute. A higher score indicates better arm function.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 6 months after injections
Motor Activity Log
Structured interview to measure perceived function of the upper extremity during daily tasks. There is a separate score for the amount of use and how well measures. Each scale ranges from 0-5 and a higher score indicates better arm function.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 6 months after injections
Modified Ashworth Scale for the Upper Extremity
Measure of spasticity. Each muscle group (i.e. elbow flexors) is scored from 0-4 with a 0 indicating no increase in muscle tone and a 4 indicating the affected part is rigid. A decrease in score indicates a decrease in spasticity.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 6 months
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Self report of current, best and worst pain of upper extremity in the past 24 hours. Scale ranges from 0-10 with a 0 indicating no pain and a 10 indicating severe pain. A decrease in score indicates less pain.
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Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 6 months