Study on the Effects of an EMG-controlled Functional Electrical Stimulator for Upper Limb for Post-stroke Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older * Diagnosis of first ischemic or hemorrhagic unilateral stroke for at least two weeks * Medical Research Council score for at least one upper limb muscle greater than 0 and less than 5 (excluding extremes). * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Score at the Mini Mental State Examination (adjusted for age and schooling) \< 24 * Clinical evidence in the case of visual disturbance, ideomotor apraxia, behavioral disorders, neglect, sensory, visual and auditory disturbances of severe degree or otherwise that prevent use of the device * Major head trauma * Cardio-respiratory or internal clinical instability * State of pregnancy or lactation * Severe spasticity (Ashworth \> 3) * Skin integrity problems at the interface surface with the device * Implanted electronic devices * Epilepsy not medically controlled * Severe peripheral neuropathy * Recent interventions * Thrombosis, thrombophlebitis * Active stent carrier less than six months * Severe forms of arteriosclerosis, arterial circulatory disorders * Hypertension not treated * Cardiac arrhythmias * Hemorrhagic disorders (hemophilia) * Severe forms of diabetes mellitus * Known allergy to materials making up the device or its applied parts * Cancer or tumour disease * Acute arthritis * Other neurological diseases other than stroke * Progressive muscular dystrophy * Abdominal or inguinal hernias * Undiagnosed back pain * Diseases of internal organs