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Electrical stimulation in cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Kerr Claire,
McDowell Brona,
Cosgrove Aidan,
Walsh Deirdre,
Bradbury Ian,
McDonough Suzanne
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2006.01915a.x
Subject(s) - cerebral palsy , placebo , medicine , diplegia , gross motor function classification system , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , ambulatory , stimulation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anesthesia , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
A randomized placebo‐controlled trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and threshold electrical stimulation (TES) in strengthening the quadriceps muscles of both legs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Sixty children (38 males, 22 females; mean age 11y [SD 3y 6mo]; age range 5–16y) were randomized to one of the following groups: NMES ( n =18), TES ( n =20), or placebo ( n =22). Clinical presentations were diplegia ( n =55), quadriplegia ( n =1), dystonia ( n =1), ataxia ( n =1), and non‐classifiable CP ( n =2). Thirty‐four children walked unaided, 17 used posterior walkers, six used crutches, and the remaining three used sticks for mobility. Peak torque of the left and right quadriceps muscles, gross motor function, and impact of disability were assessed at baseline and end of treatment (16wks), and at a 6‐week follow‐up visit. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between NMES or TES versus placebo for strength or function. Statistically significant differences were observed between NMES and TES versus placebo for impact of disability at the end of treatment, but only between TES and placebo at the 6‐week follow‐up. In conclusion, further evidence is required to show whether NMES and/or TES may be useful as an adjunct to therapy in ambulatory children with diplegia who find resistive strengthening programmes difficult.