Abstract
Repetitive facilitative exercise (RFE) is a form of physiotherapy that has been shown to improve hemiplegic upper limb function, the ability to manipulate objects, and the patient’s quality of life after stroke;however, the use of the hemiplegic hand in daily life and the effect on targeted movements after intervention have not yet been reported. We evaluated the effects of “Task-oriented RFE,” which combines RFE under continuous neuromuscular electrical stimulation and task-oriented training for the treatment of a hemiplegic upper limb in a subacute stroke patient. The subject did not report any adverse effects during RFE sessions. Upper-extremity function, use of the paralyzed hand in daily life, and the quality of movement improved after 6 weeks of intervention. In addition, satisfaction with performance of the targeted movements also improved. The function of the upper extremity improved 1 month after discharge. The results suggest that Task-oriented RFE may be effective in improving function and the use of a paralyzed upper extremity in subacute stroke patients.
