초록
Spasticity, an abnormal increase in resting muscle tone, is one of the most common symptoms of stroke, and its management is becoming a major issue in rehabilitation. The aims of this study are to determine the effects of electroacupuncture(EA), TENS and neuromuscular electric stimulation(NMES) on spasticity, as well as the possibility of tissue comliance method as a spasticity scale. 45 stroke patients participated in a study of the effects on hemiplegic spasticity of EA, TENS and NMES. Spasticity was measured by modified Ashworth scale on the upper extremity and tissue compliance measurement, penetration mm/kg, on Susamni(LI10) area at just before and after stimulation, and 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 24 hours after stimulation. The acupuncture points were applied to Kokchi(LI11), Susamni(LI10), Hapkok(LI4) and Oegwan(TE5) of the affected limb. The electrodes were placed unilaterally on LI11 to LI10 and TE5 to LI4. EA with biphasic wave, 60Hz, 0.4 msec pulse duration and low intensity was applied continuously for 20 minutes. TENS with high frequency, low intensity was applied. NMES was applied with spasticity program for 20 minutes. Each electric stimulation was done on extensor muscles group of forearm for 20 minutes. EA and NMES groups were found to produce a statistically significant decrease(p〈0.05) of spasticity and these effects lasted up to 30 minutes after stimulation. There was no definite correlation between the modified Ashworth scale and tissue compliance measurement. But tissure compliance method was found to be possible as a quantitative measurement on spasticity. There was no significant correlation between the effects of EA and NMES and the characteristics of patient, but significant correlation between the effects of EA and NMES and the modified Ashworth scale.
