| Objective: To analyze the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of lumbar paraspinal regions on motor function of children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 60 children with spastic cerebral palsy meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, and randomly divided into a control group and a observation group (n=30 each). Both groups were given standard physical therapy that included core stability training. The observation group was subjected to NMES of lumbar paraspinal regions additionally. Before enrollment and after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of the group treatment, the children were evaluated by Gross Motor Function Scale (GMFM) score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, walking speed, and Physiological Cost Index (PCI). Results: Before treatment, the two groups had no significant difference in GMFM score, BBS score, walking speed and PCI. After 8 weeks of treatment in the observation group and 12 weeks after treatment in the two groups, the above indicators in both groups were significantly improved as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the observation group was significantly better than the control group (P<0.05). The time effect, intra-group effect and interaction of GMFM score, BBS score, walking speed and PCI between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: NMES of lumbar paraspinal regions can significantly improve the gross motor function and balance function of children with spastic cerebral palsy, increase walking speed, and effectively reduce walking energy consumption. The effect is better than simple standard physical therapy. |
