Details of studies in combined use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and orthoses section
| Reference | Study design | Age range (years) | n | Muscles stimulated | Orthoses applied | Results | Duration and frequency of orthosis and NMES use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozer et al15 | Randomised trial | 3–18 | 24 | Wrist extensors | Dynamic splinting to promote elbow and wrist extension. Static splint worn at night to prevent wrist flexion | ↑Function, ↑grip strength, ↑posture (Zancolli) | 1 h daily for 6 months |
| Postans et al16 | Case study series | 7–16 | 6 | Wrist and elbow extensors as clinically appropriate | Dynamic splinting to promote wrist and elbow extension as clinically appropriate | ns function, ns ROM, ns quality of life (significant changes unlikely in this small cohort) | 1 h daily for 12 weeks |
| Scheker et al25 | Retrospective | 3–21 | 19 | Wrist and finger extension | Dynamic splinting to promote elbow and wrist extension. Static splint worn at night to prevent wrist flexion | 17 children and young adults improved Zancolli classification by two or more grades | 1 h daily for variable lengths of time |
| Carmick36 | Case study | 7.7 | 1 | Wrist extensors, finger flexors and extensors | Orthoplast dorsal wrist splint | Improvements in function and use of impaired upper limb described | 9 months wearing splint for 6 h a day with weekly NMES sessions of unspecified length |
↑Indicates statistically significant (p<0.05) increase; ns indicates no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). NMES, neuromuscular electrical stimulation; ROM, ranges of motion.