Published Paper Details:

Abstract: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of adult disability worldwide, often resulting in significant motor impairments and loss of functional independence. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), a modality that uses low-frequency electrical currents to activate paralyzed or weakened muscles, has gained attention as a potential intervention to enhance motor recovery in stroke rehabilitation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FES in improving motor function, reducing spasticity, enhancing gait, and promoting overall functional independence in post-stroke individuals. A comprehensive literature search across six databases yielded 856 articles, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria after thorough screening and quality assessment. The findings consistently indicate that FES, either alone or in conjunction with conventional therapy, can significantly improve upper and lower limb function, gait performance, and neuroplasticity. However, the diversity in stimulation parameters, outcome measures, and methodological quality among studies highlights the need for standardized protocols and more rigorous trials. Overall, FES shows promise as an effective adjunctive tool in post-stroke rehabilitation programs, supporting its integration into routine clinical practice.