Welcome to another post in the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series, where we share exciting research that inspires curiosity and helps you understand fascinating topics. This blog post introduces research that explores how electrical stimulation (ES) can reduce spasticity in stroke survivors. Weโre here to make complex ideas easy and fun to learn about!
What This Study Was About
Original Name of the Research:
Comparing The Effects Of Electrical Stimulation Of Antagonist At Motor Point And The Agonist At Musculotendinous Junction On Spasticity Of Biceps Muscle In Chronic MCA Stroke Patients.
Authors:
Rahul Shaik, Kannuru Ramya Jyothi, P. Sasikala
Where It Was Done:
This study was conducted at GEMS College of Physiotherapy, Andhra Pradesh, India, in partnership with Narayana Medical College, a highly respected medical institution in India.
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Why This Study Matters
After a stroke, many people experience spasticityโa condition where muscles become stiff and hard to move. This affects everyday activities like holding a cup or lifting an arm. While spasticity often improves over time, this study shows that using electrical stimulation (ES) can speed up the process significantly.
How the Study Was Done
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Who Participated?
11 stroke survivors, aged 40-60, who had spasticity in their biceps. -
What Methods Were Used?
Two groups were tested:- Antagonistic Stimulation Group: The triceps were stimulated.
- Agonistic Stimulation Group: The spastic biceps were stimulated directly at the tendon.
Each participant received daily 30-minute sessions, five days a week, for four weeks.
What They Found
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Pain Relief:
The study measured pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). After four weeks:- The triceps stimulation group saw a 31% reduction in pain, with VAS scores dropping from 8.7 to 6.0.
- The biceps stimulation group experienced a 34% reduction in pain, with VAS scores going from 8.76 to 5.76.
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Improved Muscle Relaxation:
Electrical stimulation helped relax the spastic muscles by improving neurophysiological measures:- The H-reflex, a measure of muscle response, improved significantly in the biceps group, reducing by 2.96 milliseconds (ms).
- The F/M ratio, another key measure, decreased by 41% in the biceps group, compared to a 26% reduction in the triceps group.
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Faster Recovery:
- The biceps group showed higher improvements in spasticity reduction (p < 0.0001) compared to the triceps group.
Why EMS Could Help
Electrical stimulation works by sending small electrical pulses to the muscles. This:
- Helps muscles relax by reducing overactivity in the spastic areas.
- Decreases stiffness and pain.
- Encourages faster recovery after a stroke.
This study highlights the importance of targeting the right muscle areas, such as the biceps' musculotendinous junction, for optimal results.
How This Might Help EMS Device Users
If you or someone you know uses an EMS device, this research shows:
- Where to target: Directly stimulating the spastic muscle may yield better results.
- Faster pain relief: EMS can reduce pain by up to 34% in just one month.
- Enhanced relaxation: Neuro-muscular improvements were seen in key measures like the H-reflex and F/M ratio.
Learn More
Simplified Name of the Study:
Comparing Different Ways to Use Electrical Stimulation to Help Stroke Survivors.
Source of the Study:
This research was published in the International Journal of Physiotherapy (2023), a trusted source for physiotherapy research.
You can read the full study here: International Journal of Physiotherapy Study.
About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest
Our mission is to spark curiosity and help you learn more about topics that matter to you. Each post is designed to inspire you to explore further and find your path to discovery.
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