Article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular
electrical stimulation during weight-bearing exercises on shoulder function and
bone mineral density (BMD) in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI). This study was a randomized controlled trial. Forty-two children
with OBPI were recruited. Their ages ranged from 3 to 5 years. They were randomly
assigned either to control group (received a selected program) or study group
(received the same program as the control group and neuromuscular electrical
stimulation during weight bearing). Mallet grading system and dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry were used to evaluate shoulder function and BMD respectively at
entry and after intervention (3 months later). RESULTS: No significant
differences of the outcome measures were detected at entry. Significant
differences were observed within both groups when the pre and post treatment
scores within each group were compared. Finally, significant differences favoring
the study group were recorded when their post treatment scores were compared.
CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation during weight bearing exercises
is an effective and simple method to improve shoulder function and BMD in
children with OBPI. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity
and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES::
Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify
deficits associated with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) in children; (2)
Describe treatment options for improving shoulder function and bone mineral
density (BMD) in children with OBPI; and (3) Describe the benefits of
neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the treatment of children with
OBPI. LEVEL: Advanced ACCREDITATION: : The Association of Academic Physiatrists
is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to
provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic
Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of
their participation in the activity.

Langue : ANGLAIS