Comparison of Intensive Physical Therapy and Electrical Stimulation to Reduce Spasticity in Stroke

Main Article Content

Azfar Khurshid
Syed Ali Hussain
Muhammad Ahmed Saleemi
Zainab Hassan
Mian Maaz Badshah
Suffain Khalid
Noman Khar

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often resulting in spasticity that significantly impairs the functional recovery of individuals. The comparative efficacy of intensive physical therapy and electrical stimulation in mitigating post-stroke spasticity remains a critical area of research. Understanding the impacts of these treatments can guide clinicians in optimizing rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors.


Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intensive physical therapy and electrical stimulation in reducing spasticity among stroke patients, with an emphasis on how these interventions influence muscle tone and functional outcomes.


Methods: This quasi-experimental trial was conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, over six months, involving 30 participants aged 50-65 years who had experienced a stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either intensive physical therapy or electrical stimulation. Baseline and post-treatment assessments of spasticity were conducted using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, focusing on changes in MAS scores before and after the interventions.


Results: Both interventions showed significant improvements in spasticity levels. The intensive physical therapy group exhibited notable reductions in MAS scores across various joints: shoulder flexors (from 3.13 ± 0.51 to 1.20 ± 0.41), shoulder extensors (from 3.00 ± 0.65 to 1.20 ± 0.67), and hip abduction (from 3.00 ± 0.65 to 1.33 ± 0.72). The electrical stimulation group also demonstrated significant improvements, with MAS scores in wrist flexion (from 2.73 ± 0.70 to 1.33 ± 0.61) and hip extension (from 2.80 ± 0.67 to 1.26 ± 0.45) showing notable reductions. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of overall effectiveness in reducing spasticity (p > 0.05).


Conclusion: Both intensive physical therapy and electrical stimulation are effective in reducing post-stroke spasticity, with no significant difference in their overall efficacy. This suggests that either treatment can be considered as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy for stroke survivors, depending on individual patient needs, preferences, and specific functional goals.

Article Details

How to Cite
Khurshid, A., Hussain, S. A., Saleemi, M. A., Hassan, Z., Badshah, M. M., Khalid, S., & Khar, N. (2024). Comparison of Intensive Physical Therapy and Electrical Stimulation to Reduce Spasticity in Stroke. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(1), 1084–1088. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.552
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Articles
Author Biographies

Azfar Khurshid, Bakhtawar Amin College of Rehabilitation Sciences Multan Pakistan.

Senior lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, Bakhtawar Amin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Multan, Pakistan.

Syed Ali Hussain, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University- islamabad Pakistan.

Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Muhammad Ahmed Saleemi, University of Management & Technology Lahore Pakistan.

Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.

Zainab Hassan, University of Management & Technology Lahore Pakistan.

Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.

Mian Maaz Badshah, Swat Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital & Research Centre (SIMS)-SWAT Pakistan.

Physiotherapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Swat Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital & Research Centre (SIMS)-SWAT, Pakistan.

Suffain Khalid, Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital Lahore Pakistan.

Physiotherapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Noman Khar, Kamyab Institute of Medical Sciences Kot Addu Pakistan.

Principal, Allied Health Sciences, Kamyab Institute of Medical Sciences, Kot Addu, Pakistan.

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