Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Electric Stimulation; Cerebral Palsy; Cerebral Palsy -- therapy; Gait; Child; Infant

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is a common developmental disorder that causes a wide array of problems in the population. The manifestations of cerebral palsy commonly interfere with the child's activities of daily living, including the important function of gait. It is therefore important that physical therapists be knowledgeable about the various treatment options used in gait training of children with cerebral palsy, as well as their effectiveness.

Neurodevelopmental techniques (NDT), neurosurgical interventions, and orthotics are just a few of the numerous treatment options available for the gait training of children with cerebral palsy. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) has recently become a popular method used to improve the child with cerebral palsy's gait pattern, however the use of NMES, and more specifically its effectiveness, is controversial.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the theoretical foundations supporting NMES, the mechanism behind NMES, and the various forms and effects of NMES, and its use in the gait training of children with cerebral palsy.

Through the review of current literature, NMES was found to be an effective method of improving gait function in children with cerebral palsy.

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