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Electrical stimulation in treating spasticity resulting from spinal cord injury
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|August 1, 1985
Summary
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed potential for reducing spasticity in some spinal cord injury patients. However, results varied, with only half experiencing a noticeable decrease in knee extensor spasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spasticity is a common and challenging symptom following spinal cord injury.
- Current treatments for spasticity have limitations and variable efficacy.
- Electrical stimulation presents a potential non-invasive therapeutic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treating spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
- To assess the impact of TENS on knee extensor spasticity.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with spinal cord injuries participated in the study.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was applied to specific dermatomes.
- Spasticity was quantified using a pendulum test and an electrogoniometer to measure knee joint angle.
Main Results:
- Three out of the six patients exhibited a noticeable reduction in spasticity after TENS application.
- The remaining three patients showed minimal or no significant response to the TENS treatment.
- The pendulum test effectively measured changes in knee extensor spasticity.
Conclusions:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may offer a beneficial treatment for spasticity in a subset of spinal cord injury patients.
- Individual patient variability influences the response to TENS therapy for spasticity.
- Further research is warranted to optimize TENS parameters and identify predictors of treatment response.