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Neuropediatrics 1993; 24(4): 189-192
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1071537
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Muscles of Children with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy

A.  Zupan1 , M.  Gregorič1 , V.  Valenčič2 , Sonja  Vandot3
  • 1University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • 2Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • 3University Clinical Center, Orthopedic Clinic, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Twelve children with progressive muscular dystrophy (10 Duchenne and 2 Becker type) were included in a low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) program of the right tibialis anterior (TA) muscle for three months. Muscle strength was estimated by measuring torques in the ankle during short attempts of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in the direction of dorsal flexion of the foot. Muscle fatigue was assessed by the decrease of force during sustained (1-minute) voluntary contraction. The measurements were carried out before the beginning of the stimulation program and immediately after its conclusion. At the end of the stimulation program there were higher torques in 10 out of 12 children in the stimulated leg. The increase in torques in the stimulated leg was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Regarding the fatigue of the stimulated muscle there was no change after the conclusion of stimulation.

Key words

Low-frequency electrical stimulation - Muscular dystrophy - Torques - Muscle fatigue

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