Efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on gait training in subjects with tibial plateau fracture – a randomised control trial

Abstract

Intra-articular fractures of the proximal tibia are commonly referred as tibial plateau fractures. They are quite common injuries and represent about 1% of all fractures in adult population. Conventional physiotherapy has been proved effective in increasing the range of motion as well as in making the patient functional but many patients encounter pain during the process of rehabilitation Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is electrotherapy modality most commonly used to manage pain by physiotherapists. A need exists to establish a relationship between the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in dynamic position on gait parameters in gait training. 44 subjects will be included in the study and divided in two groups Group A and Group B. Group A will receive conventional physiotherapy along with TENS while gait training. Group B will receive conventional physiotherapy. In this study the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at the time of gait training on the functional parameters pain and range of motion will be seen. Pain is one of the major problem patients faces at the time of gait training because of prolonged period of immobilisation. If the pain is treated properly better functional ability can be seen. In this study we will be considering NPRS as the main outcome measure as pain is one of the causes of restricted range as well as the functional limitation. Conclusion will be drawn based on the outcome measures of the study and the statistical analysis. Keywords: Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, TENS, Tibial plateau fracture.