Research Information System
Fizyoterapi Rehabilitasyon, vol.16, no.2, pp.45-50, 2005 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on muscle strength in neuromuscular diseases. Material and methods: Thirty three children with a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy were included in the study. Both electrical stimulation of the Quadriceps femoris muscle and a routine exercise program were carried out in 10 children in the study group. Twenty three children who were in the control group were followed with home exercise program. Range of motion, muscle strength, muscle shortness, 10 meter walking time and fatigue were evaluated prior to the stimulation and 12 week after the stimulation. Results: No difference were found in muscle strength, and timed performance tests between study and control groups at the end of 12th week (p>0.05). There was a significant increase in fatigue/endurance test duration in the study group (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study, we found that electrical stimulation of the Quadriceps femoris muscle combined with exercise program preserved the muscle strength and delayed fatigue in neuromuscular diseases.