Article

Objective: To compare maximum voluntary isometric
torque (MVIT) and motor unit recruitment of the quadriceps
after an electric stimulation facilitation program in persons
affected by cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
Design: Three-week, randomized controlled trial with an
electric stimulation facilitation program added to standard care.
Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation center.
Participants: Twenty patients receiving rehabilitation for
first-time CVA (51.8
15.2y; days post-CVA, 38.4
40.0d).
Patients were randomly assigned to study and control groups.
Interventions: All patients received standard physical therapy
(PT) care. In addition, the study group received an electric
stimulation facilitation program during weight-bearing and ambulatory
activities of the PT program.
Main Outcome Measures: MVIT and motor unit recruitment
measured by interpolated twitch testing. A 24 repeatedmeasures
analysis of variance was performed on measurements
at 4 intervals: pretest, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks.
Results: MVIT increased by 77% in patients receiving electric
stimulation, compared with a 31% increase for the control
group. There was a significant effect for assessment time only.
Motor unit recruitment increased from 35% to 53% for the
study group, whereas the control group recorded no change in
recruitment ability. A significant interaction was recorded,
indicating improved motor unit recruitment for the study
group.
Conclusions: A brief and dynamic electric stimulation facilitation
program significantly improved motor unit recruitment
in persons after CVA.

Langue : ANGLAIS