Contribution of reciprocal electrical stimulation across elbow muscles to motor recovery of infants with Erb's Palsy: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
This study examined the effect of reciprocal electrical stimulation (RES) across elbow flexors and extensors on the reaction of degeneration percentage and motor function in Erb's palsy infants. Forty infants with Erb’s palsy aged between 2-5 months were randomly allocated to one of two equal groups: the control group (A) received standard physical therapy, the study group (B) received traditional physical therapy plus a 15-minute RES through elbow flexors and extensors. For three months, interventions were carried out three times each week. The percentage of reaction of degeneration and motor function were assessed pre- and post-treatment using electromyography and Toronto active motion scale respectively. There was a significantly greater reduction in the percentage of reaction of degeneration and increase in the Toronto active motion scale score in the study group (B) as compared to the control group (A) (p < 0.001, p =0.007 consequently), indicating more improvements following the RES application. Incorporating the RES in the traditional rehabilitation programs for Erb's palsied infants is likely effective in improving motor functions. It is advisable for the pediatric physical therapist to consider such a therapeutic approach in caring for those infants.
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References
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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:
1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.
© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013
2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.
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