Electrical Stimulation to Improve Hand Function in Patients With
Chronic Stroke This study will determine whether an electric
shock to the forearm can improve hand function in patients with
chronic stroke and, if so, whether the improvement is related to
brain reorganization. Some studies indicate that
electromyography-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation
(EMG-triggered NMES) on the forearm improves wrist motor
function in patients with chronic stroke. The shock is delivered
to the wrist extensor muscle of the forearm, causing greater
hand movement than the patient can make on his or her own. The
study will determine if the electric shock is more effective
given after the patient initiates the hand movement (EMG-
triggered NMES) than at times unrelated to patient effort (NMES
alone). Stroke patients with muscle weakness on one side of the
body may be eligible for this study. The stroke must have
occurred at least 12 months before the patient enters the study.
Candidates will have a medical history an