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Abstract
The objective was to evaluate whether high-frequency (100 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (HiTENS) on a specific acupuncture point would alleviate spasticity in a paretic leg after stroke. A clinical study with a one-group pretest-post-test design was used and 16 patients were included. The electrodes were placed in order to stimulate acupuncture point ST 36, and treatment was given for 30 min daily over a period of 3 months. A six-point modified Ashworth scale was used to measure spasticity and in a 10-m gait test the time was measured. Motor function was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer motor performance scale. A significant reduction of spasticity was seen after completion of treatment and 10 patients had reduced spasticity 2 weeks after the end of the treatment. The reduction of spasticity could be seen in knee extensor muscles as well as in plantar flexor muscles. In patients' gait time a significant improvement was seen although no changes were seen in motor function. The results of this study suggest that stimulation of the acupuncture point ST 36 with high-frequency (100 Hz) TENS could be a clinical method to reduce spasticity in paretic leg after stroke. A larger controlled study is needed to corroborate the results.