Case Report
Year: 2020 | Month: January-March | Volume: 5 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 256-260
The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Adult Spasticity- A Case Study
Pallavi Wajapey1, Sarah Kapadia2
1Assistant Professor, R V College Of Physiotherapy Bangalore,
2Intern, R V College Of Physiotherapy Bangalore,
Corresponding Author: Pallavi Wajapey
ABSTRACT
Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent movement disorders of development of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing foetal or infant brain. Functional electrical stimulation (FES), also known as functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) is the method of applying safe levels of electric current to activate the damaged or disabled neuromuscular system. Recent evidence affirms the rationale of applying FES to paralyzed or paretic muscles in order to modulate central nervous system (CNS) plasticity. Adults with chronic neurological conditions can also benefit from FES treatments but there are gaps in clinical knowledge, awareness and evidence which needs addressing. This is a case report of a 38 year old male having CP with on and off treatment. He reported a fixed flexion deformity at both knees and reduced range of motion at all joints of lower limbs. His functional independence scores were also on the lower side indicating dependence in activities of daily living. Physiotherapy management along with FES was prescribed for 4 weeks, Goniometer for range of motion and Bergs Balance Scale along with Functional Reach test for functional independence were the outcome measures used. Treatment helped the client move from Grade 2 on MAS to Grade 1. Range of motion for all the lower limb joints improved and scores on functional independence scales were also increased. Physiotherapy along with FES can be used as a treatment of choice for modifying spasticity in long standing cases of injuries to central nervous system.
Keywords: Functional electrical stimulation, Adult Cerebral palsy, Spasticity, Physiotherapy