User-centered practicability analysis of two identification strategies in electrode arrays for FES induced hand motion in early stroke rehabilitation.

Only five patients were tested, and each patient was measured once, so day-to-day changes in stimulation areas and treatment effects were not shown. The semi-automatic method was always tested first, so the order of methods could have influenced time, comfort, and preference. The arm was fixed in a supported position, and only one object was used for grasp-and-release, so the results do not show how the methods would work during reaching, forearm rotation, or different grasp types. Several patients could not tolerate enough stimulation in the flexor array to produce strong finger flexion, so the methods were not fully tested for grasping. The health professionals had not used FES before, so their ratings may reflect first-time experience rather than routine clinical use.

The supplied text does not include a conflicts-of-interest statement; the article is labelled as non-U.S. government research support.

Do not conclude that either array search method is proven better for clinical hand function. The study tested only five patients, used the semi-automatic method first in every patient, and did not show a clear preference.