Neuro Developmental Techniques with Functional Electrical Stimulation reduces shoulder dysfunction in young stroke population : A quasi-experimental novel rehabilitative approach

Abstract

Stroke is the third-largest common cause of death and is the leading cause  of adult impairment.  Shoulder subluxation is a common complication after  a stroke and has always been a challenge, making the motor and functional recovery more complicated. Sixty-nine per cent of people affect with an arm in stroke, and the critical aim of stroke therapy is to recover their arm function. Motor impairments such as flaccidity and spasticity may make a patient functionally dependent on another person for their ADL, particularly in the upper extremity for a long time. Also, these motor impairments can address other problems such as subluxation of the shoulder and pain. To evaluate the effect of NDT along with FES in the management of shoulder dysfunction following stroke. A quasi-experimental study involved 70 consecutive subjects age (30-60 years) affected by stroke recruited in the study. They are divided into two groups Group A (experimental group, N=35) and Group B (control group, N=35). Group A received NDT along with FES, and Group B received NDT treatment. Treatment was given five days a week for six weeks. The analysis of the study showed a statistically significant difference in shoulder pain, and subluxation in the experimental group (Group A) compared to the control group (Group A). FES is effective in reducing shoulder pain and subluxation early after stroke. Hence NDT along with FES is more effective than NDT alone.