Table 1.

Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18 to 100 years

2. 2-26 weeks after stroke

3. Weakness of elbow extension of MRC grade 4 or below

4. Spasticity of elbow, of grade-1 or more on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) of elbow flexion

Exclusion Criteria

1. Dermatological, rheumatologic or orthopaedic illnesses of the affected arm interfering with elbow movement

2. Pre-existing severe systemic disorders like cardiovascular disease, active cancer or renal disease, end stage pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, psychiatric illness including severe alcohol or drug abuse and depression

3. Expected inability to perform the baseline assessments such as in those with severe aphasia or dysphasia

4. Severe tactile hypersensitivity

5. Participation in other, spasticity related studies

6. Within 12 weeks of receiving elbow flexor Botulinum toxin injections

7. Uncontrolled epilepsy

8. Any form of implanted electrical / electronic device

9. Pregnancy

10. Inability to provide informed consent

11. Pre-existing upper limb spasticity

12. Previous acute contact dermatitis and/or known allergy to acrylates.

13. Within 2 weeks of receiving, or planned future use of, other forms of electrical stimulation to the elbow flexors or extensors