Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Versus Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Hand Edema in Stroke Patients

Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare between the effect of application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and intermittent pneumatic compression on reducing hand edema in stroke patients.

Subjects: Thirty stroke patients of both sexes (18 females and 12 males).They assigned randomly into 2 study groups each one composed of 15 patients. Method: Group I received intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and group II received neuromuscular electrical stimulation three times per week for twelve weeks. The patients were assessed for hand volume by using the volumetric measurement and by hand held dynamometer to measure hand grip strength before and after the end of treatment period.

Results : The results of this study revealed that application of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy had a significant effect on reducing hand edema in stroke patients than receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation .While hand function measured by hand grip strength was improved more significantly with receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation than the group who received intermittent compression therapy.

Conclusion: Application of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy was more effective in reducing hand edema than neuromuscular electrical stimulation while application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation resulting in greater improvement in hand grip strength and hand function.