Article

Current literature offers little research on the restoration of function in
patients following anterior decompression surgery for cervical spondylotic
myelopathy. This case report describes the functional outcomes for a physical
therapy program using a protocol of alternate day electrical stimulation to hip
and knee extensor muscles along with exercise. The protocol, designed to increase
lower extremity strength necessary for ambulation in a patient who was status
post anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery, consisted of treatment
sessions five times per week for 6 weeks and included electrical stimulation
[medium frequency alternating current (MFAC)] in conjunction with active range of
motion exercises, followed by functional mobility training and gait training.
Outcome measures included Manual Muscle testing, the Functional Independence
Measure (FIM), and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injuries (WISCI).
Improvement was demonstrated in all three measures following the use of the
treatment regimen, suggesting there may be a benefit to the use of electrical
stimulation and exercise to increase lower extremity strength and improve gait
outcomes in this population. Definitive conclusions regarding the correlation
between this treatment protocol and the outcomes achieved are limited by the case
report design. Carefully designed research studies are needed to demonstrate the
effectiveness of the protocol.

Langue : ANGLAIS