Comparative effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation-based combination interventions for post-stroke lower limb rehabilitation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Randomized trial evaluates neuromuscular electrical stimulation interventions for stroke recovery, suggesting specific strategies for diverse recovery phases.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different neuromuscular electrical stimulation-based combination interventions for lower limb rehabilitation in post-stroke patients.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials on NMES-based interventions for stroke published until September 2, 2025.
Utilized network meta-analysis and subgroup analyses using R and Stata software.
Evaluated 37 RCTs with 1,764 stroke patients focusing on various NMES protocols.
CST combined with NMES showed significant therapeutic effects for balance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CrI: 0.33–1.67).
For walking ability, cycling exercise combined with NMES had the highest ranking (SUCRA = 77.46%), but no significant differences were noted.
ART combined with GT and NMES significantly improved lower limb functional mobility (SMD = 1.38, 95% CrI: 0.25–2.52).