The Effects of Cycling With and Without Functional Electrical Stimulation on Lower Limb Dysfunction in Patients Post-Stroke: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Shariat A¹ ; Najafabadi MG² ; Ansari NN^{1, 3} ; Cleland JA⁴ ; Singh MAF^{5, 6} ; Memari AH¹ ; Honarpishe R³ ; Hakakzadeh A¹ ; Ghaffari MS¹ ; Naghdi S^{1, 3}
Source: NeuroRehabilitation Published:2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the leading causes of disability in the world with enormous economic burden is stroke. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effectiveness of different protocols of cycling with/without functional electrical stimulation on functional mobility after stroke. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched till 2018. Data extraction was performed using a pre-determined data collection form. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 14 trials satisfied eligibility criteria and were included. Cycling had a positive effect on the 6-meter walking test performance (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.11 -0.71; I2=0% ) compared with no or placebo intervention (control). Compared with control, cycling had a positive effect on 10-meter walking speed (SMD, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.05 -0.55; I2=0% ), and on balance based on the Berg score (SMD, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.06 -0.57; I2=49% ). Cycling with functional electrical stimulation had a positive effect on balance (SMD, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.99 -1.97; I2=91% ) compared with cycling alone. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that cycling has a positive effect on walking speed, walking ability and balance. Functional electrical stimulation combined with cycling has positive effects on balance beyond cycling alone. © 2019 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.