The effects of electrical stimulation applied to dorsiflexor muscles of post-stroke patients: a systematic review

Authors

  • Maria Talita dos Santos Guimarães
  • Richard Eloin Liebano

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/conssaude.v12n2.4050

Keywords:

Ankle, Electric stimulation, Review, Stroke.

Abstract

Introduction: Electric stimulation (ES) is often used in rehabilitation programs for contracting paretic and/or plegic muscles in stroke patients. Objective: To identify the effects of electric stimulation on the dorsiflexor muscles of post-stroke patients. Methods: A search was performed on the Medline, Lilacs and SciELO databases using the following descriptors: physical therapy specialty, equinus deformity, paresis, stroke, and electric stimulation. Results: Five articles were analyzed, which pointed at the following effects: reduced plantar flexor spasticity, increased muscle strength in dorsiflexors, increased dorsiflexion ROM, improved symmetry of the gait and of lower limb mobility, and a consequent improvement of the gait pattern. Conclusion: Electric stimulation is efficient in treating post-stroke patients; however, it should be combined with other therapies, with a view to enhance rehabilitation program outcomes.

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Published

2013-07-31

How to Cite

1.
Guimarães MT dos S, Liebano RE. The effects of electrical stimulation applied to dorsiflexor muscles of post-stroke patients: a systematic review. Cons. Saúde [Internet]. 2013 Jul. 31 [cited 2024 Jul. 24];12(2):313-20. Available from: https://periodicos.uninove.br/saude/article/view/4050

Issue

Section

Literature reviews