Stockley, RC 
ORCID: 0000-0003-4441-6860, Hanna, K ORCID: 0000-0001-7357-7749 and Connell, L
(2020)
To stimulate or not to stimulate? A rapid systematic review of repetitive sensory stimulation for the upper-limb following stroke
Archives of Physiotherapy, 10 (1).
20-.
ISSN 2057-0082, 2057-0082
Abstract
Background: Repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) is a therapeutic approach which involves repeated electrical stimulation of the skin’s surface to improve function. This rapid systematic review aimed to describe the current evidence for repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) in rehabilitation of the upper-limb for people who have had a stroke. Main text: Methods: Relevant studies were identified in a systematic search of electronic databases and hand-searching in February 2020. The findings of included studies were synthesized to describe: the safety of RSS, in whom and when after stroke it has been used, the doses used and its effectiveness. Results: Eight studies were included. No serious adverse events were reported. The majority of studies used RSS in participants with mild or moderate impairments and in the chronic stage after stroke. Four studies used RSS in a single treatment session, reporting significant improvements in strength and hand function. Findings from longitudinal studies showed few significant differences between control and experimental groups. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of included studies. Conclusions: This review suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of RSS for the upper-limb after stroke in clinical practice. However, this review highlights several clear research priorities including establishing the mechanism and in whom RSS may work, its safety and optimal treatment parameters to improve function of the upper-limb after stroke.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Nerve stimulation, Rehabilitation, Sensory stimulation, Stroke, Upper limb |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Jul 2021 09:12 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jan 2026 02:47 |
| DOI: | 10.1186/s40945-020-00091-x |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-020-00091-x |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3130797 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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