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Review
. 2023 Jun 2;10(6):680.
doi: 10.3390/bioengineering10060680.

Use and Effectiveness of Electrosuit in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review with Clinical Implications

David Perpetuini  1 , Emanuele Francesco Russo  2 , Daniela Cardone  1 , Roberta Palmieri  3 , Andrea De Giacomo  3 , Raffaello Pellegrino  4 , Arcangelo Merla  1 , Rocco Salvatore Calabrò  5 , Serena Filoni  2
Affiliations
Review

Use and Effectiveness of Electrosuit in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review with Clinical Implications

David Perpetuini et al. Bioengineering (Basel). .

Abstract

Electrical stimulation through surface electrodes is a non-invasive therapeutic technique used to improve voluntary motor control and reduce pain and spasticity in patients with central nervous system injuries. The Exopulse Mollii Suit (EMS) is a non-invasive full-body suit with integrated electrodes designed for self-administered electrical stimulation to reduce spasticity and promote flexibility. The EMS has been evaluated in several clinical trials with positive findings, indicating its potential in rehabilitation. This review investigates the effectiveness of the EMS for rehabilitation and its acceptability by patients. The literature was collected through several databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Positive effects of the garment on improving motor functions and reducing spasticity have been shown to be related to the duration of the administration period and to the dosage of the treatment, which, in turn, depend on the individual's condition and the treatment goals. Moreover, patients reported wellbeing during stimulation and a muscle-relaxing effect on the affected limb. Although additional research is required to determine the efficacy of this device, the reviewed literature highlights the EMS potential to improve the motor capabilities of neurological patients in clinical practice.

Keywords: cerebral palsy; electro suit; neuroplasticity; rehabilitation; spasticity; stroke; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) wearable garment with 58 electrodes embedded, (b) control unit able to modify and configure the parameters of the EMS.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Flowchart of the literature screening procedure and number of selected papers, (b) number of publications selected per year.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Aerogram reporting the pathologies investigated in the 12 papers included in the review. The numbers of papers selected for each pathology are also shown in the figure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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