Recent Study Highlights the Importance of Electrical Stimulation for Spasticity Treatment Following Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Saturday, April 21st, 2018
BiofeedbackElectrical StimulationElectrode Placement
A recent randomized trial by Yuzer et al., in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases 2017, investigated the effects of functional electrical stimulation of the wrist and finger extensor muscles of patients with chronic stroke who had spasticity of their wrist flexors.
Lower Limb Electrical Stimulation | Best Electrode Placement Guide
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, March 24th, 2017
Electrical StimulationElectrode Placement
Electrical stimulation, also referred to as e-stim, NMES, or FES, can be an effective tool in reducing the symptoms of stroke, such as increasing strength and function. The success of one’s recovery using electrical stimulation will rely heavily on proper electrode placement.
Listed below are some key video examples of lower limb electrode positioning by Axelgaard. Click on the thumbnail below to visit the video link.
Stroke Rehab for the Upper Limb: Why Electrode Placement Matters in Hand and Arm Stimulation
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, July 5th, 2016
Electrical StimulationElectrode Placement
Maximizing Stroke Recovery with Electrical Stimulation: Why Electrode Placement Matters
Electrical stimulation—commonly known as e-stim, NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation), or FES (functional electrical stimulation)—is a powerful tool in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. By delivering controlled electrical impulses to the muscles and nerves, e-stim can help restore movement, improve strength, reduce spasticity, and enhance functional use of affected limbs.
How Electrical Stimulation Supports Stroke Rehabilitation
After a stroke, patients often struggle with muscle weakness, loss of coordination, or paralysis on one side of the body. E-stim works by activating specific muscle groups, promoting neuromuscular re-education, and helping to reestablish motor control. When combined with task-specific training, this method can stimulate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to accelerate functional gains.
Research has shown that when applied correctly, electrical stimulation can:
- Improve voluntary muscle contractions
- Increase grip and pinch strength
- Enhance range of motion and reduce stiffness
- Stimulate sensory feedback and cortical activation
- Improve gait, arm function, and daily activity performance
Electrode Placement: The Key to Effective E-Stim Therapy
The effectiveness of e-stim largely depends on one crucial factor: proper electrode placement. If electrodes are not placed accurately over the motor points of the targeted muscles, the stimulation may be uncomfortable, inefficient, or entirely ineffective.
Motor points are the locations where the motor nerve enters the muscle, and targeting these spots ensures that the muscle contracts with the least amount of electrical current. Proper placement enhances comfort, maximizes efficiency, and reduces fatigue.
Tips for Optimal Electrode Placement:
- Use muscle charts or motor point maps as a guide
- Clean and prepare the skin to improve conductivity
- Ensure consistent contact with the skin—no gaps or air pockets
- Test placement while monitoring the visible muscle response
- Consult with a therapist for customized guidance
When and How to Use Electrical Stimulation Post-Stroke
Electrical stimulation can be used in both clinical settings and at home under supervision. It may be appropriate in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages of stroke recovery. Protocols can vary, but a general recommendation includes sessions of 20–60 minutes, several times per week, depending on individual needs and tolerance.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can also be used during active movement tasks such as walking or grasping objects—providing real-time assistance and training the brain-muscle connection through repetitive, goal-oriented practice.
Commonly Treated Areas in Stroke Rehab with E-Stim
- Wrist and finger extensors: Improve hand opening and function
- Shoulder stabilizers: Reduce subluxation and promote joint alignment
- Ankle dorsiflexors: Help with foot drop and gait training
- Quadriceps and hamstrings: Support standing balance and mobility
Listed below are some key video examples of upper limb electrode positioning by Axelgaard. Click on the thumbnail below to visit the video link.
