Related Experiment Videos
Treatment of spinal spasticity by electrical stimulation
A Franek1, B Turczynski, J Opara
1Department of Biophysics, Silesian School of Medicine, Zabrze-Rokitnica, Poland.
Journal of Biomedical Engineering
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation significantly reduced spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. This therapy improved movement, breathing, and neurological function, offering a promising rehabilitation approach.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spasticity is a common and challenging symptom following traumatic spinal cord injury.
- Current management strategies for spasticity have limitations and can cause side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) in reducing spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury.
- To assess the impact of TES on motor function, respiratory capacity, and neurological parameters.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 44 patients receiving TES and 35 control patients.
- Measurements included clinical observations, muscle force, electromyography, pendulum tests, spirometry, and urodynamic assessments (cystometry, sphincterometry).
- Specialized tools like an adapted neurological hammer were utilized for objective assessments.
Main Results:
- TES resulted in a long-lasting reduction in spasticity.
- Significant improvements were observed in the range of passive and active movements.
- Facilitation of lost functions, improved breathing, increased pulmonary capacity, and restoration of neurological reflexes were noted.
Conclusions:
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation is an effective method for managing spasticity post-spinal cord injury.
- The therapy demonstrated broad benefits, including functional recovery and improved physiological parameters.
- TES offers a non-invasive and potentially superior alternative for spinal cord injury rehabilitation.