Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with scapulothoracic joint training on pain and upper limb function in post-stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain

Wen Hao; Xu Tao; Gao Zheng; Kan Ye; Chen Yuchuan; Guo Chunliang; Li Gang

doi:10.11986/j.issn.1673-873X.2025.03.16

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)combined with scapulotho-racic joint training on pain and upper limb function in post-stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain(HSP),aiming to provide references for developing rehabilitation strategies.Methods Using a random number table,152 post-stroke HSP patients admitted to Jiangyou 903 Hospital from February 2021 to February 2024 were assigned to a control group(n=76)and a combined group(n=76).The control group received scapulothoracic joint training alone,while the combined group received NMES combined with scapulothoracic joint training.Pain levels,upper limb function,shoulder joint function,and activities of daily living were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results Before treatment,no significant difference was observed in Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores between groups(P>0.05);after treatment,VAS scores decreased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels,with the combined group showing lower scores than the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Before treatment,Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity(FMA-UE)scores and Functional Independence Measure(FIM)scores showed no significant intergroup differ-ences(P>0.05);after treatment,both FMA-UE and FIM scores increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment lev-els,with the combined group demonstrating higher scores than the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Before treatment,no significant differences were observed in the four dimensions of the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score(CMS)-range of motion,strength testing,pain,and activities of daily living-between groups(P>0.05);af-ter treatment,all CMS dimension scores increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels,with the combined group showing higher scores than the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Before treatment,Modified Barthel Index(MBI)scores showed no significant intergroup difference(P>0.05);after treatment,MBI scores increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels,with the combined group scoring higher than the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion NMES combined with scapulothoracic joint training markedly reduces pain,improves upper limb and shoulder function,and raises activities of daily living in post-stroke HSP patients.