Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on the Wrist and Finger Flexor Spasticity and Hand Functions in Cerebral Palsy

• Published in: Pediatric neurology 2014-09, Vol.51 (3), p.360-364
• Main Authors: Yıldızgören, Mustafa Turgut, MD, Nakipoğlu Yüzer, Güldal Funda, MD, Ekiz, Timur, MD, Özgirgin, Neşe, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - physiopathology; Cerebral Palsy - therapy; Child; Child, Preschool; Electric Stimulation Therapy - instrumentation; Electric Stimulation Therapy - methods; Female; Fingers - physiopathology; functional electrical stimulation; hand functions; Humans; Inpatients; Male; Muscle Spasticity - physiopathology; Muscle Spasticity - therapy; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Neurology; Occupational Therapy; Orthotic Devices; Pediatrics; Range of Motion, Articular; Severity of Illness Index; spasticity; Treatment Outcome; Wrist - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0887-8994; 1873-5150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.05.009

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on wrist range of motion, wrist and finger flexor spasticity, and hand functions in patients with unilateral cerebral palsy. Method Twenty-four children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (14 boys and 10 girls) between the ages of 5 and 14 years were randomized into neuromuscular electrical stimulation and control groups. Conventional exercises were applied, and static volar wrist-hand orthosis was administered to all patients 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, 30-minute neuromuscular electrical stimulation sessions were applied to the wrist extensor muscles in the neuromuscular electrical stimulation group. Patients were evaluated by Zancolli Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Abilhand-Kids Test. Results Compared with baseline, a significant increase was evident in active wrist extension angle at the fourth and sixth weeks in both groups (all P