Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation with and without Kinesiotherapy on Pain, Range of Motion and Quality of Life in Patients with Cervical Dystonia; A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Methods: This study was a Randomized Controlled Trial conducted at The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, University Institute of Physical Therapy, Lahore. n= 84 patients with Cervical Dystonia were recruited in this study using non- probability convenient sampling technique. Patients suffering with Cervical Dystonia who aged between 30 till 50 years were randomly assigned into two groups, 42 patients in each group. First Group A which was the control group which was treated with Functional Electrical Stimulation and routine physical therapy only while Group B was the Experimental group which was treated with Functional Electrical Stimulation also with kinesiotherapy and routine physical therapy. Both the groups were evaluated and assessed using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale, the Pain Numerating Scale, the 36- item short form health survey( SF-36), Neck Disability index and range of motion of neck flexion, neck extension and neck rotation was measured using universal goniometer. Results: Functional Electrical Stimulation combined with kinesiotherapy given to the experimental group showed more improvement in range of motion, quality of life , functional disability and the symptom of the pain also was reduced in the experimental group as compared to the control group. The mean values showed that there was a statistically significant difference in different variables between both the groups. When the scores( scores at baseline and at 16th week) for Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale for both the groups were compared it showed statistical difference between both the groups(p<0.05). Conclusion: Despite the fact that cervical dystonia has central neurological etiology, this study concludes that multimodal kinesiotherapy program which included stretching and relaxation, active exercises in addition to Functional Electrical Stimulation and Routine Physical Therapy tempts to have beneficial effects on a patient suffering from Cervical Dystonia. It showed beneficial effects on pain, quality of life, functional disability and range of motion of patients with cervical dystonia. Key Words: Functional Electrical Stimulation, Kinesiotherapy, Cervical Dystonia, Pain, Rang of Motion, Quality of life