Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a single trial of interferential current therapy
(ICT) can immediately alleviate spasticity and improve balance and gait
performance in patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Randomized,
placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation in a local
center. SUBJECTS: A total of 42 adult patients with chronic stroke with plantar
flexor spasticity of the lower limb. INTERVENTION: The ICT group received a
single 60-minute ICT stimulation of the gastrocnemius in conjunction with
air-pump massage. In the placebo-ICT group, electrodes were placed and air-pump
massage performed without electrical stimulation. MAIN MEASURES: After a single
ICT application, spasticity was measured immediately using the Modified Ashworth
Scale (MAS), and balance and functional gait performance were assessed using the
following clinical tools: Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS),
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and 10-m Walk Test (10MWT). RESULTS: Gastrocnemius
spasticity significantly decreased in the ICT group than in the placebo-ICT group
(MAS: ICT vs placebo-ICT: 1.55+/-0.76 vs 0.40+/-0.50). The ICT group showed
significantly greater improvement in balance and gait abilities than the
placebo-ICT group (FRT: 2.62+/-1.21 vs 0.61+/-1.34, BBS: 1.75+/-1.52 vs
0.40+/-0.88, TUG: 6.07+/-6.11 vs 1.68+/-2.39, 10MWT: 7.02+/-7.02 vs 1.96+/-3.13).
Spasticity correlated significantly with balance and gait abilities (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: A single trial of ICT is a useful intervention for immediately
improving spasticity, balance, and gait abilities in chronic stroke patients, but
not for long-term effects. Further study on the effects of repeated ICT is needed.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS