The Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Upper Extremity Spasticity in Hemiplegic Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate immediate and long term effects of electrical stimulation on upper extremity spasticity following stroke. METHOD: The subjects were 13 hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. Electrical stimulation was applied to skin over the biceps muscle and the triceps muscle for a period of twenty minutes. The evaluation of spasticity was done by using the modified Ashworth scale, free amount of elbow extension, active range of motion and motor strength of elbow flexion and extension at baseline, immediately, 1 week and 4 weeks after electrical stimulation. RESULTS: Immediately after treatment, free amount of elbow extension increased from 63.8+/-19.1 degrees to 77.7+/-22.5 degrees (p<0.05) and active flexion of elbow flexor increased from 45.0+/-34.8 degrees to 55.3+/-39.1 degrees (p<0.05). The active range of motion of elbow flexor was increased on the 4th week during electrical stimulation (p<0.05). The free amount of elbow extension and modified Ashworth scale of elbow flexor spasticity was improved on the 18th day after treatment cessation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that spasticity tended to decrease and maintain a lower level after a varying number of treatment sessions.