The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on neurological function, balance, and quality of life in patients with parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND

Balance disorders and gait abnormalities significantly limit independence and elevate the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the effects of NMES on neurological function, balance, and quality of life in patients with PD.

METHODS

This retrospective comparative cohort study evaluated 30 patients with idiopathic PD who completed an 8-week supervised outpatient rehabilitation program. The final analytic cohort consisted of two groups: the comparison group (n=15), which received conventional coordination, strengthening, and balance exercises, and the NMES group (n=15), which received the same exercise program combined with bilateral NMES applied to the quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQL), and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).

RESULTS

Baseline-adjusted ANCOVA demonstrated significantly better post-treatment performance in the NMES group for BBS (adjusted mean difference: 3.38 points; 95% CI: 1.78 to 4.97; p<0.001) and TUG (adjusted mean difference: -1.79 seconds; 95% CI: -2.36 to -1.21; p<0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed for PDQL (p=1.000) or UPDRS (p=1.000).

CONCLUSION

Incorporating NMES into a conventional exercise regimen provides a significant clinical advantage in improving static/dynamic balance and functional mobility in patients with PD, although short-term peripheral stimulation may not immediately translate into distinct superiorities regarding overall disease severity and quality of life.