Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Spasticity, or increased muscle tone during passive movement, is one of the complications of stroke, can cause contractures, stiffness, dislocation, pain and deformity, decreasing independence. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a physiotherapy resource used to treat spasticity. Objectives: To analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in relation to the range of flexion and wrist extension in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: The study included 20 patients who underwent 16 treatments and evaluated before, after and one month after discharge from treatment. Results: We observed an increased range of motion of wrist extension (p=0.0100) with high maintenance after treatment (p=0.1978). Conclusion: The treatment was effective for the gain range of motion of wrist extension for the population studied.