OBJECTIVE: To determine whether stroke patients with initial increases in arm motor recovery following low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (low TENS) treatment go on to show long-term benefits. Also whether the same therapy results in long-term improvements in motor function, spasticity or activities of daily living (ADL). DESIGN: A three-year follow-up study. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight stroke patients, who had participated in a randomized trial of daily treatment with low-frequency (1.7 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (low TENS) on the paretic arm for three months starting 6 to 12 months after stroke. OUTCOMES: Fugl-Meyer Motor Performance Scale for evaluation of changes in arm motor function. A 6-point Ashworth Scale to measure spasticity. Barthel Index to evaluate performance in ADL. RESULTS: Motor function of the paretic arm had deteriorated in both treatment and control groups. Increased spasticity was seen in both groups. ADL score remained at a similar level in the low TENS group, whereas the control group had deteriorated during the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: Low TENS stimulation started 6 to 12 months after stroke may not have a specific effect on arm motor function years after completion of treatment.

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