Article

Somatosensory input may lead to long-lasting cortical plasticity
enhanced by motor recovery in patients with neurological impairments. Sensory
transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a relatively risk-free and
easy-to-implement modality for rehabilitation. The authors
systematically examine the effects of sensory TENS on motor recovery after
stroke. METHODS: Eligible randomized or quasi-randomized trials were identified
via searches of computerized databases. Two assessors reviewed independently the
eligibility and methodological quality of the retrieved articles. RESULTS: In
all, 15 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was
generally good, with a mean (standard deviation) PEDro score of 6.7/10 (1.2).
Although the majority of studies reported significant effects on at least 1
outcome measure, effect sizes were generally small. Meta-analysis could not be
performed for the majority of outcome measures because of variability between
studies and insufficient data.
A moderate effect was determined for force
production of the ankle dorsiflexors and for the Timed Up and Go test.
CONCLUSIONS: Sensory stimulation via TENS may be beneficial to enhance aspects of
motor recovery following a stroke, particularly when used in combination with
active training. Because of the great variability between studies, particularly
in terms of the timing of the intervention after the stroke, the outcome measures
used, and the stimulation protocols, insufficient data are available to provide
guidelines about strategies and efficacy.

Langue : ANGLAIS