Study on the Effects of an EMG-controlled Functional Electrical Stimulator for Upper Limb for Post-stroke Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older

• Diagnosis of first ischemic or hemorrhagic unilateral stroke for at least two weeks

• Medical Research Council score for at least one upper limb muscle greater than 0 andless than 5 (excluding extremes).

• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Score at the Mini Mental State Examination (adjusted for age and schooling) < 24

• Clinical evidence in the case of visual disturbance, ideomotor apraxia, behavioraldisorders, neglect, sensory, visual and auditory disturbances of severe degree orotherwise that prevent use of the device

• Major head trauma

• Cardio-respiratory or internal clinical instability

• State of pregnancy or lactation

• Severe spasticity (Ashworth > 3)

• Skin integrity problems at the interface surface with the device

• Implanted electronic devices

• Epilepsy not medically controlled

• Severe peripheral neuropathy

• Recent interventions

• Thrombosis, thrombophlebitis

• Active stent carrier less than six months

• Severe forms of arteriosclerosis, arterial circulatory disorders

• Hypertension not treated

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Hemorrhagic disorders (hemophilia)

• Severe forms of diabetes mellitus

• Known allergy to materials making up the device or its applied parts

• Cancer or tumour disease

• Acute arthritis

• Other neurological diseases other than stroke

• Progressive muscular dystrophy

• Abdominal or inguinal hernias

• Undiagnosed back pain

• Diseases of internal organs