Effect of Proximal Muscle Strengthening on Distal Muscle Facilitation in Guillain Barre Syndrome

ABSTRACT

In Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), there is symmetrical muscle weakness which ranges from mild weakness to severe palsy of all limbs. The motor symptoms start distally and move proximally. Proximal muscle weakness is primary and common factor in GBS. To overcome the weakness, one has to strengthen the muscle. Muscle activity of proximal segment is necessary for activation of distal segment. In fact, stable activity of distal parts needs controlling of the proximal parts. As distal muscle weakness is a major problem in post GBS individuals, they need to be facilitated with the help of proximal muscle strengthening. MethodsAfter obtaining the ethical committee clearance an experimental study was conducted among a total of 30 GBS subjects selected through convenience sampling. OPD subjects were given proximal muscle strengthening for 6 weeks. Each subject was examined by modified sphygmomanometer test (MST) and functional independence measure scale (FIMS) before and after the study. ResultsResult was calculated by using MST and FIMS. Exercises showed extremely significant difference on MST [p = 0.0001, t = 11.924] on handgrip strength, [p value = 0.0001) t = 12.334] on plantar flexion, [p value = 0.0001, t = 9.558] on dorsiflexion. FIMS [p value = 0.0001, t = 25.699] extremely significant difference was seen. ConclusionsProximal muscle strengthening is found to be effective for distal muscle facilitation in Guillain Barre Syndrome.