Effectiveness of Low Electrical Sensory Stimulation from Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Promoting Upper Extremity Functionality of Two Individuals Post-stroke

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of low sensory electrical stimulation provided by a TENS unit on improving hand functionality in the treatment of patients post-stroke. An A-B-A single-subject design was used and two subjects participated in this study; one was a 70-year-old female who was 6 years post-stroke and one was a 63-year-old male 2 years post-stroke. For participant 1, there was no significant change in active extension of the first three digits but significant improvement in little finger active extension was shown when the intervention was introduced. The large light object subtest from the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test was modified for participant 1 and the time she required to perform this subtest varied. There was no significant change in the Action Research Arm Test for participant 1. For participant 2, there was a significant improvement in index finger extension in the B phase and no significant change in active extension of other fingers. There was no significant change in finger flexion for all fingers except the little finger. There was no significant change in the large light objects subtest and there was significant change in the A2 phase in the writing subtest from the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. There was no significant change in the Action Research Arm Test grip subtest. There was significant change in the Action Research Arm Test pinch subtest. However, there were many internal and external factors contributing to the study results. The findings from this study suggest that future study is needed to achieve a better understanding of the low sensory stimulation provided by a TENS unit on promoting upper extremity function in clients post-stroke