Article

This study aimed at testing the ability of the superimposed electrical
stimulation technique to restore the mobility of pre-stiff thumbs after operative
repair for rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament.
METHODS: Eight
patients demonstrating a pre-stiff metacarpophalangeal joint were involved in two
rehabilitation sessions of a counterbalanced design. In the voluntary contraction
session, they performed 20min of repeated active flexions of the impaired
metacarpophalangeal joint. In the superimposed electrical stimulation session,
they performed 20min of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulations which
were superimposed to voluntary flexion. RESULTS: Mean active range of motion
improvement from pre- to post-session was significantly greater in the
superimposed electrical stimulation condition compared to the voluntary
contraction condition (11+/-5 deg versus 3+/-4 deg; P<0.01). CONCLUSION:
Superimposing electrical stimulation to voluntary contractions is an efficient
technique to improve active range of motion of the pre-stiff metacarpophalangeal
joint of the thumb.
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Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS