Abstract
Background Spasticity is a factor that impairs the independent functional ability of stroke patients, and noninvasive methods such as electrical stimulation or taping have been reported to have antispastic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with taping on spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. Methods From July to October 2020, 46 stroke patients with moderate spasticity in the plantar flexors participated and were randomly assigned to the TENS group (n = 23) and the TENS+taping group (n = 23). All subjects performed a total of 30 sessions of functional training for 30 min/session, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. For therapeutic exercise, sit-to-standing, indoor walking, and stair walking were performed for 10 min each. In addition, all participants in both groups received TENS stimulation around the peroneal nerve for 30 min before performing functional training. In the TENS+taping group, taping was additionally applied to the feet, ankles, and shin area after TENS, and the taping was replaced once a day. The composite spasticity score and handheld dynamometer measurements were used to assess the intensity of spasticity and muscle strength, respectively. Gait ability was measured using a 10 m walk test. Results The spasticity score and muscle strength were significantly improved in the TENS+taping group compared to those in the TENS group (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in gait speed was observed in the TENS+taping group relative to that in the TENS group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Thus, TENS combined with taping may be useful in improving spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. Based on these results, an additional application of taping could be used to enhance the antispastic effect of TENS or other electrical stimulation treatments in the clinic. A long-term follow-up study is needed to determine whether the spasticity relieving effect persists after taping is removed.
Highlights
Spasticity is a factor that impairs the independent functional ability of stroke patients, and noninvasive methods such as electrical stimulation or taping have been reported to have antispastic effects
No significant differences were found in any variables of general characteristics between the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)+taping and TENS groups at baseline (Table 1)
The TENS+taping and TENS groups showed a significant increase in knee extensor and plantar flexor muscle strength after the intervention (p < 0:05), but a significantly greater improvement was observed in the TENS+taping group than in the TENS group
Summary
Spasticity is a factor that impairs the independent functional ability of stroke patients, and noninvasive methods such as electrical stimulation or taping have been reported to have antispastic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with taping on spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. TENS combined with taping may be useful in improving spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients Based on these results, an additional application of taping could be used to enhance the antispastic effect of TENS or other electrical stimulation treatments in the clinic. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are known to have antispastic effects on patients with certain neurological deficits These interventions have the advantage of being noninvasive, atraumatic, and applicable when compared to acupuncture.
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