The Effect of Russian Current Stimulation on Motor Outcomes in Stroke Patients

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, resulting in persistent motor impairments that limit daily functional activities and reduce the quality of life for affected individuals. Electrical stimulation techniques, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), have been extensively studied for their rehabilitative benefits. Among these, Russian current stimulation (RCS), a medium-frequency electrical stimulation technique, has gained increasing interest for its potential to enhance muscle strength, improve neuromuscular re-education, reduce spasticity, and promote motor recovery in stroke patients. This review explores the physiological mechanisms, clinical applications, and efficacy of RCS in stroke rehabilitation. Studies have shown that RCS enhances neuromuscular recruitment, modulates spasticity, and improves functional mobility, particularly when integrated with conventional physiotherapy. Furthermore, comparisons with other electrical stimulation modalities indicate greater muscle activation and endurance improvements with RCS. However, challenges such as the lack of standardized treatment protocols and patient-specific responses need further investigation. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment parameters and long-term clinical efficacy to establish RCS as a standardized rehabilitation tool.