Efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of calf muscles on nocturnal symptoms and quality of life in asthmatic children.

Abstract

To determine whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation of calf muscles could improve nocturnal symptoms and quality of life in asthmatic children. Sixty children (8-12 years) with moderate asthma were randomly allocated to three groups (A, B, and C). The three groups completed 12 weeks of supervised breathing exercises for 30 min. In addition, group A completed neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the calf muscles and group B completed aerobic exercise in the same period. The intervention was conducted five days a week for 12 consecutive weeks. Pre-and post-treatment evaluations involved pulmonary function tests, the Children's Asthma Control Questionnaire, calf muscle isometric muscle force, six-minute walk test, and Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. A significant increase in all measured variables was recorded in all groups in favor of group A (p < 0.001). However, calf muscle isometric muscle strength, and nocturnal symptoms were non-significant in group C (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups A and C in all measured variables (p < 0.001) in favor of group A. Significant differences between groups B and C in all measured variables (p < 0.001) in favor of group B were also noted. No significant differences were seen between groups A and B (p > 0.05). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation of calf muscles is an excellent adjunct to breathing exercise programs in improving nocturnal symptoms and quality of life in asthmatic children. Moreover, it can serve as a considerable alternative to traditional physical training in periods of disease exacerbation.