Impact of Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation on Upper Limb Functional Motor Skills in Children with Spastic Quadriplegia.
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Abstract
Background: Spastic quadriplegic children have major functional deficits, mainly related to upper limb restrictions. Task-specific electrical stimulation is being investigated as an adjunct intervention to facilitate active, goal-directed movement and therefore promote motor recovery. Objectives: To examine how spastic quadriplegia (SQ) children's functional motor skills in their upper limbs are affected by task-specific electrical stimulation.
Methods: 30 children with SQ were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A had a standardised program of physical therapy. Group B received the same program plus a task-specific electrical stimulation. The outcome measures were selected from the weight bearing domain of the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST). Assessments were done before and after intervention and were analysed by acceptable statistical procedures. Results: The results of the QUEST weight bearing domain after treatment were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001) with much better results in group B than in group A. Conclusion: The added benefit of combining conventional physical therapy with task specific electrical stimulation is to improve the weight bearing capacity in children with SQ as compared to physical therapy alone. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that this population might benefit from rehabilitation programs with task-specific electrical stimulation.....
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