Influence of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and cinesiotherapy in the movements of hemiparetic patients

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately half of the survivors of stroke have functional problems in the hand and arm. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and cinesiotherapy resources are used in the rehabilitation of these individuals. Objective: To evaluate the effects of NMES with or without cinesiotherapy in the amount of use (MAL-AOU) and quality of movement (MAL-QOM) of the spastic upper limb of patients with sequelae of stroke. Methods: Eighteen patients were divided into two groups: one treated with NMES and the other, with NMES and cinesiotherapy. Both underwent 16 sessions and were evaluated before, at the end of treatment, and one and three months after its completion. Results: There was an increase in the values of MAL-AOU and MAL-QOM in both groups, maintaining three months after the cessation of therapy. Conclusions: The proposed treatments were effective for increasing the quantity of use and quality of movement of the paretic upper limb of the study population.