Effect of External Phrenic Nerve Electrical Stimulation on Respiratory Function for Convalescent Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of external phrenic nerve electrical stimulation on respiratory function for convalescent stroke patients. Methods:From October, 2017 to July, 2018, 27 convalescent stroke patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 14) and observation group (n = 13). Both groups received routine rehabilitation, while the observation group accepted external phrenic nerve electrical stimulation additionaly. Their ventilation and respiratory muscle strength were measured before and four weeks after treatment. Results:The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) improved in both groups after treatment (t > 5.075, Z = -3.366, P < 0.001), and improved more in FVC, FEV1, PEF and MIP in the observation group than in the control group (t > 0.921, Z = -2.746, P < 0.05). Conclusion:External phrenic nerve electrical stimulation can improve ventilation and inspiratory muscle strength for convalescent stroke patients.