ABSTRACT

Background and purpose: To analyze the effect of TENS & Electric Muscle Stimulator when combined with passive stretching on spasticity of biceps brachii muscle in stroke patients.

Method: 40 male & female subjects with stroke aged in between age 50-65 years are included in study on basis of inclusion criteria were conveniently assigned with 20 subjects in each group. Group A received TENS with passive stretching & Group B received Electric Muscle Stimulator with passive stretching. After assessment & evaluation of patients on day 1, MAS was recorded. Treatment was given 30 min. daily for 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

Result: The data was analyzed through Wilcoxon signed rank test for comparing the pre and post values of MAS with in both the groups and Mann Whitney Test for comparison of data between the two groups. Results of this study show that the Electric Muscle Stimulator when combined with passive stretching are much more effective in reducing spasticity of biceps brachii muscle in stroke patients.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that both the intervention programs are effective in improving spasticity of biceps brachii muscle of stroke patients but Electric Muscle Stimulator with passive stretching is more beneficiary for the patients.

Keywords: Spasticity, Stroke, TENS, Electric Muscle Stimulator, Passive Stretching, Modified Ashwarth Scale.