Effect of Acupuncture Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Upper Limb Function in Stroke Patients

EMAN S. FAYEZ, Ph.D., MARAM A. MAHMOUD, M.Sc.;; RANIA M. TAWFIK, Ph.D., MAGED M. ABDEL NASEER, M.D.;

doi:10.21608/mjcu.2019.86329

Effect of Acupuncture Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Upper Limb Function in Stroke Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Physical Therapy, Emergency Hospital, Cairo University Hospitals*, The Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy** and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine***, Cairo University

10.21608/mjcu.2019.86329

Abstract

Abstract Background: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability; the restoration of movements and associated func-tions is a common concern of stroke patients. However, the restoration of the upper limb function is often poor, being seen in less than half of patients. Electrical stimulation is shown to be effective in enhancing the upper extremity functional recovery in stroke patients. Aim of Study: To determine the effect of acupuncture TENS on upper limb function in stroke patients. Procedures: This study was conducted on thirty male stroke patients. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups: The study group (GI) and the control group (GII). Group I (study group): This group received acupuncture (TENS) in addition to the selected physical therapy program. Group II (control group): This group received the selected physical therapy program only. Fugel-Meyer Scale was used to assess the upper limb function and Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) was used to assess the spasticity grades before and after four weeks of the treatment program. Results: The results showed that: There was a significant difference of Fugel-Meyer Scale scores and mean values of spasticity grades in study group after the designed treatment program. Conclusion: The acupuncture Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has a significant effect in reduction of spasticity and improvement of upper extremity function following stroke.

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