The influence of using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on hand function in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background: hand dysfunction is considered to be a big problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Spasticity is one of the obstacles that may delay the development of hand function. Objectives: to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on antispastic muscles and on hand function in children with spastic CP in this study program. Materials and Methods: single-blind experimental study of 22 children with spastic CP (hemiplegic, quadriplegic and diplegic) from 4–12 years old. The experimental group received a conventional PT program and NMES, while the control group received a conventional physical therapy program only. Both groups were treated three times per week for six weeks. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) was used in pre- and post-treatment to assess children’s spasticity. The Jamar dynamometer was used to measure hand strength. The Manual Ability Classification System &#40;MACS&#41; was used to evaluate the children’s hand functions by measuring their hand’s ability to hold an object in daily activities. The Bimanual Fine Motor Function Scale (BFMF) was used to measure the children’s ability to grasp, manipulate, and hold objects in each hand. Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in MAS p<0 p=0.05,>0.05 were not significant. Conclusions: The NMES seems to be effective in reduction of the hand spasticity, but no indication to improve in the hand function in this study.