Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation over Gastrocnemius Muscle Spasticity among Hemiparetic Patients

Background: Stroke is a condition in which Spasticity in the body musculature greatly affect the functional independence of the patients. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is one of the useful modality to reduce Spasticity.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation over Gastrocnemius muscle spasticity among hemiparetic patients.

Study design: Quasi-experimental study design, pre and post type.

Procedure: Ten subjects were randomly allocated into two groups (Group A and Group B). For 5 subjects in Group A, conventional therapy was given (Passive stretching and Passive range of motion). For other 5 subjects in Group B, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied over belly of Gastrocnemius muscle for 60 minutes at 100 Hz frequency, 200 microseconds of pulse width with 2 or 3 times sensory threshold along with conventional therapy was given. Modified Ashworth Scale was measured before and after the treatment.

Results: The TENS group showed a significant reduction in spasticity of Gastrocnemius, compared to the conventional group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: On the basis of this study, it shows that application of TENS over Gastrocnemius can reduce the muscle spasticity in stroke patients.

Author(s): Manigandan G and Bharathi K

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