Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are the leading cause of long-term disability. About 600,000 Americans will have a stroke this year (American Heart Association, 2002). It is estimated that between 29% and 75% of those who suffer from strokes will be affected by upper extremity impairments, including shoulder subluxation, pain, flaccidity, and decreased upper extremity limb function (Wang, Chan, and Tsai, 2000). This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of electrical stimulation on treating the upper extremities of patients who suffer cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Illustrating the efficacy of electrical stimulation on stroke patients may help to influence occupational therapists use of this adjunctive treatment method.
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