Efficacy of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on Lower Limb Mobility and Activities of Daily Living in Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective

To assess the therapeutic efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in improving lower limb function and daily activities in post-stroke patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception to April 20, 2025. Meta-analysis for continuous outcomes was performed using the inverse variance method under fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity.

Results

Ten studies (579 patients) were included. NMES significantly improved Fugl-Meyer Assessment (MD=3.40, P=0.001), ankle dorsiflexion ROM (MD=1.56, P=0.04), TUG (MD=-1.96, P=0.03), BBS (MD=10.78, P=0.005), PASS (MD=5.05, P<0.00001), and MBI (MD=13.29, P=0.02). Sensitivity analysis confirmed result robustness.

Conclusion

NMES effectively enhances motor function and activities of daily living in post-stroke patients, and may complement standard rehabilitation.