Thrombectomy is an interventional radiology procedure, and especially a method used endovascularly, and is the removal of a blood clot formed in arteries and veins (Yıldırım, 2023). Timely restoration of cerebral blood flow using reperfusion therapy is the most effective maneuver to save uninfarcted ischemic brain tissue (Jadhav at al., 2018). As the benefit of reperfusion decreases over time, one of the most common complications as a result of increasing ischemic areas is paralysis (Powers at al., 2019).
Paralysis often leads to significant impairment in upper extremity function and is associated with reduced quality of life in all domains except mobility (Franceschini at al., 2010). More than half of the patients may become partially or completely dependent on others in daily activities (Aşiret at al., 2013; Coban., 2013; Rahmani Anaraki at al., 2013; Kheirollahi at al., 2013). However, few patients achieve full functional recovery, and this deficiency impairs the performance of all physical activities, including self-care and social activities (Kwakkel at al., 2003). Different therapeutic methods are used to prevent or reduce the long-term deterioration of the upper extremities in patients undergoing thrombectomy (Vafadar at al., 2015). Among these therapeutic methods, non-pharmacological methods are much easier to learn, safe and without definite contraindications (Howlett at al., 2015).
According to the studies reviewed, functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a non-pharmacological method, which is a device that electrically stimulates motor neurons to improve motor functions aimed at stimulating the nerves of weakened muscles (Lynch at al., 2008; Niu, at al., 2022). Transcutaneous electrodes offer an easy and fast treatment option because they are non-invasive (Eraifej at al., 2017).
As a result of the literature review, FES (Bolton at al., 2004; Howlett at al., 2015; Meilink at al., 2008; Vafadar at al., 2015; Van Peppen at al., 2004) has proven its effectiveness in the rehabilitation of the lower extremity after thrombectomy. , and there is no clarity about the effectiveness of FES in upper extremity rehabilitation (Stroke rehabilitation in adults. Published June 2013. Accessed 1 Jan 2016). This is partly due to methodological limitations (Howlett at al., 2015; Vafadar at al., 2015) or the outdated nature of some existing studies (Bolton at al., 2004; Meilink at al., 2008; Van Peppen at al., 2004). ). It was also highlighted by a recent Cochrane review that required a current review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on electrical stimulation (Pollock at al., 2014). The most recent recent systematic review found a significant improvement in motor outcomes with the upper extremity FES (Howlett at al., 2015).
In this context, FES application in our country is one of the functional applications of nurses to correct the activity with the doctor and to exercise management (https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2011/04/20110419-5.htm). In our study, we aimed to base the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on physical activity and quality of life in patients with paralysis after thrombectomy, and to form a source for current and similar studies.
