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Plantar Flexion

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“Full-movement neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves plantar flexor spasticity and ankle active dorsiflexion in stroke patients: a randomized controlled study”

This was an interesting article. It examined the use of electrical stimulation as a treatment for spasticity in the ankle plantar muscles, specifically the tibias posterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus. Electrodes were placed over the extensor digitorum longus muscles and the extensor hallicus muscles of post stroke patients with plantar flexor spasticity. Various intensities were tested. The article explains that spasticity in the ankle plantar flexors can lead to an equinovarus or strephenopodia deformity. The article also recognizes the common use of botulinum injections which …show more content…

The control group received only standard physical therapy treatments (stretching and strengthening exercises). There were three experimental groups. One group received estim to the intensity of stimulating only sensory nerves. The next group received estim with an intensity that minimally stimulated motor neurons. The final group received “full movement neuromuscular electric stimulation,” which was an estim intensity to the maximum tolerated intensity to receive maximum muscle movement. All three experimental groups also received standard PT interventions (stretching and strengthening exercises). At the start of the four week trial there were no measured differences between the groups. After the four week, all four groups had decreased spasticity, however only the FMNES group retained a significant after a two week fallow up and there were no significant differences among the other three groups. Also only the FMNES group retained increased dorsiflexion strength after the two week follow up (which was significantly greater than the control). An LSD post-hoc test revealed that all four groups had an equal significant reductions in “timed up and go” walking time at the two week follow

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