Parâmetros da terapia por eletroestimulação funcional em cicloergômetro no pós-Acidente Vascular Cerebral: uma abordagem centrada no usuário

Abstract

Post-stroke hemiparesis hinders functional motor performance and functional electrostimulation therapy on a cycle ergometer has been used to improve this aspect, however there is still no consensus on the most appropriate parameters for greater benefits. For better adherence to therapy, it is essential that, in investigations about it, the credibility and expectations of the patient for improvements are evaluated. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the perception of post-stroke patients regarding the use of functional electrostimulation therapy on a cycle ergometer and regarding the different positions that will be used. This is a cross-sectional observational study on the perception of post-stroke individuals regarding the use of functional electrostimulation therapy on a cycle ergometer and the different positions that will be used. The measurements were performed on three days, and on the third day, the individual was submitted to functional electrostimulation therapy on a cycle ergometer in four different configurations in relation to the muscle groups to be stimulated in a randomly defined order. After using each configuration, the Credibility and Expectation Questionnaire (QCE) was applied to the participant, in order to know the expectations about the treatment and the belief in its credibility and issues of sensation and tolerance. 5 subjects completed the four configurations. 80-100% of them chose the C1 and C2 configurations as the most logical, successful and most reliable and responded that they expected 80-100% improvement in symptoms with them. However, on how they really felt about the therapy, all participants agreed that the C3 setting is the one that will help them reduce their stroke symptoms. It is concluded that there was no consensus as to the configuration desired by most participants. The four configurations were satisfactory and had adequate credibility and expectation of improvement, and caused little discomfort. Configurations C1, C2 were thought by most participants as the most promising and C3 as the most successful in reducing stroke symptoms.