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Abstract
Aim: To determine whether microcurrent stimulation (MENS) increases the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint in children with cerebral palsy.
Design: Twelve children with spastic hemiplegia (age range 4.5 to 16 years) with moderate myocontracture of the triceps surae, received MENS for 1 h five times a week for 4 weeks. An equally long baseline period was preceded. The assessments were: active and passive ROM of ankle dorsiflexion, popliteal flexion and ankle dorsiflexion in maximal flexion of knees in standing position while maintaining the heels in contact with the floor, one foot standing and hopping on one foot.
Results: After the treatment with MENS, the passive ROM of ankle dorsiflexion with both knees flexed and extended (p < 0.001) increased significantly. Increases were also observed in popliteal flexion (p < 0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.0012) during maximal flexion of the knees in a standing position. The ROM of active dorsiflexion with the knee flexed (p < 0.05) and one foot standing (p < 0.05) also improved. Children and parents found this treatment easy to carry out.
Conclusions: MENS relieves myocontracture and can enhance conventional rehabilitation programmes for children with cerebral palsy.