“Comparison between Electrical Stimulation over Motor Point and TENS over Acupuncture Point in Reducing Spasticity and Improving Function after Stroke: Randomized Clinical Trial”

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of electrical stimulation over motor point and TENS over acupuncture point for reducing spasticity and improving function in stroke patients. Methodology: This was an experimental study of 30 stroke patients having first ever unilateral stroke. The subjects were divided into three groups: group A (ES + Conventional PT), group B (TENS + Conventional PT) and group C (Control group with Conventional PT), comprising 10 in each group. All the groups received training 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measurements included Modified Ashworth Scale, Timed up and go test and Dynamic gait index. Results: At baseline, patients in each group were closely similar in all important prognostic variables. All groups, Group A, Group B and Group C showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). But Electrical Stimulation with Conventional PT and TENS with Conventional PT showed significant improvement when compared with Control group. Whereas Electrical stimulation with conventional PT was more significant when compared with TENS with conventional PT. Conclusions: Electrical stimulation over motor point is more effective than TENS over acupuncture point in reduction of spasticity in stroke rehabilitation.