Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of additional electrical stimulation to hand
muscles combined with repetitive task practice therapy on skilled hand
performance in stroke patients. DESIGN: A randomized controlled study. SETTING:
Neurological physical therapy outpatient clinic.
SUBJECTS: Forty stroke patients
of both sexes (45-65 years - 16 females and 24 males).
METHODS: Participants were
randomly assigned into two equal groups: experimental and control groups. All
patients received repetitive task practice. Those in the experimental group
received additional electrical stimulation for specific hand muscles and patients
in the control group received sham electrical stimulation. Treatment was provided
three times/week for two months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients received
baseline and post-treatment assessments using three-dimensional motion analysis
(to evaluate range of motion of fingers abduction and extension), motor
assessment scale (to assess hand motor function) and time to complete Jebsen
Taylor Test (to assess hand skills). RESULTS: Patients in the experimental group
showed a significant improvement as compared with those in the control group.
Motor assessment scale score was 4.25+/-0.63 for the experimental group and
3.35+/-0.74 for the control group (t=-3.50 and p= 0.0001). Time to complete
Jebsen Taylor Test was 180.90+/-7.04 for the experimental group and 192.80+/-6.87
for the control group (t=4.50 and p= 0.0001). There was a significant improvement
in fingers abduction and extension in both groups (in favor to the experimental
group). CONCLUSION: Repetitive task practice therapy combined with electrical
stimulation can improve skilled hand performance in terms of hand motor function,
skills and range of motion in stroke patients.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS