ABSTRACT
Background: Shoulder subluxation in stroke is one of the most common and challenging squeals. Shoulder subluxation limits the patient’s daily activities, and it may lead to permanent disability. NMES (NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation) had been studied widely on shoulder subluxation with controversial results, but no evidence is reported of its effectiveness in shoulder subluxation. As NMES helps in producing strong contraction and thereby helps in improving the strength of the muscles and as it also helps in learning to contract appropriate muscles, this study was made to examine the Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulations in reducing Subluxation of the Shoulder after Stroke. Method: Study design, A Randomized control experimental design of 30 subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, experimental (NMES group) and control (Non-NMES group) with 15 subjects in each group. Outcome measures were taken before and after the intervention on both the groups by using ‘Pain Estimation Scale’ (PES), 'Subluxation Grading’ by X-rays (AP view) and upper arm section of ‘Motor Assessment Scale’(MAS). Experimental group electrodes were placed over posterior deltoid and supraspinatus. Treatment time was 30 mints two times a day for five days in a week and six weeks. Results: Comparison of electrical stimulation with non-electrical stimulation was done by considering the differences of pre and post treatments in both groups and significance is observed by using independent sample t-test. Statistical analysis proved that there was significant (p<0.05) improvement using NMES compared to NON-NMES in all the three parameters. Conclusion: Electrical stimulation has shown significant improvement in reducing shoulder subluxation, pain and increased motor recovery of the arm in stroke patients compared to the patient's given non-electrical stimulation training.
ABSTRACT
Background: The precise role of dentifrice in plaque removal has been debatable. While a considerable volume of literature attributes several beneficial properties and glorifies the role of dentifrice, a small body of researchers questions its efficacy. Lingering doubts are emerging about the plaque removal efficacy of toothpastes and probably a time has come to reassess its role in plaque removal. Aim: The present study is used to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of dentifrice alone during the manual brushing of teeth. Materials and Methods: In a double blinded 2 Χ 2 crossover study design, 42 subjects had brushed randomly with or without dentifrice under supervision, with a standard dentifrice and toothbrush, after 48 hours of plaque accumulation, for two minutes. Results: Plaque reduction with dentifrice was 57.35% and without dentifrice was 66.19%. This 9% difference was statistically significant ( P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Dentifrice use does not enhance plaque removal when used in conjunction with a toothbrush, and instead, may marginally lessen the brushing effect. The role of a toothbrush appears to be more crucial in the maintenance of oral hygiene.