Author/Authors :
Kavlak, Erdogan Pamukkale University - School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Turkey , Cavlak, Ugur Pamukkale University - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation School, Denizli , Sahiner, Turker Pamukkale University - Department of Neurology, Turkey
Abstract :
Objectives: To investigate the effects of tetanic faradicstimulation in an antagonist muscle (tibialis anterior) onagonist muscles (gastro-soleus). In addition, to show theeffects of maintaining agonist muscle strength onantagonist spastic muscle group to improve gaitparameters in children with spastic hemiplegia.Methods: We carried out the study at PamukkaleUniversity, School of Physical Therapy, Denizli, Turkeybetween June 2001 and December 2002. We included 16ambulant cerebral palsied children with a mean of age6.25 ± 2.89 years in the study. Each subject practiced a20-minute electrical stimulation session plusneurodevelopmental approach (Bobath Technique) oncea day, 4 days a week for 5 weeks. We performed faradictetanic stimulation to stimulate and strengthen the tibialisanterior (antagonist muscle). We performed all tests,including goniometric measurement, the ModifiedAshworth Scale, and gait analysis at the start of thetreatment program, after the program, and one monthafter first follow up.Results: After treatment, we found significantimprovements in goniometric measurements andModified Ashworth Scale in comparison with thebaseline measurements (p 0.001). However, theimprovements did not continue after the first month oftreatment (p 0.05). The results of the gait analysisshowed only a significant difference concerning stepwidth (p 0.05).Conclusion: The results suggest that tetanic faradicstimulation was effective in improving aspects of anklefunction, decreasing muscle tone and increasing range ofmotion in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy duringa physical therapy program
