Shock and flex: new combo therapy aims to ease stroke stiffness

This study tests whether adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS) to voluntary muscle contractions can improve ankle movement, reduce spasticity, and strengthen muscles in people who have had a chronic stroke (at least 6 months ago). Twenty-five participants will either receive standard physical therapy or the same therapy plus NEMS applied to the shin muscles while they try to lift their foot. Researchers will measure changes in stiffness, range of motion, and strength at 6 and 12 weeks.