Effectiveness of Surged Faradic Stimulation Combined with Static Cock-Up Splinting in Reducing Wrist Flexor Spasticity Among Chronic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background:

Wrist flexion spasticity is a common motor impairment seen in patients following a stroke, often affecting upper limb functionality and restricting voluntary wrist extension. Management strategies like stretching and splinting are widely used but may not be adequate when applied in isolation. Surged faradic stimulation has been proposed as an effective adjunct to enhance motor recovery through muscle re-education.

Objective:

 To compare the effectiveness of combining surged faradic muscle stimulation on wrist extensors with wrist flexor stretching and static cock-up splinting, versus using splinting and stretching alone in reducing wrist flexion spasticity among chronic stroke patients.

Methods:

A total of 40 patients with chronic stroke and wrist flexor spasticity (MAS grades 2–3) were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A received wrist flexor stretching followed by the application of a static cock-up splint, while Group B received the same protocol along with additional surged faradic muscle stimulation on wrist extensors. The intervention period lasted for three weeks. Outcome measures included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) of wrist extension.

Results:

Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in MAS scores and wrist AROM after the intervention period (p < 0.05). However, Group B showed more pronounced improvements in both outcome measures compared to Group A.

Conclusion:

The combination of surged faradic muscle stimulation with static cock-up splinting and stretching proves to be more effective than splinting and stretching alone in reducing wrist flexion spasticity and enhancing wrist extension in chronic stroke patients.