Effect of electrical stimulation to long head of biceps in reducing gleno humeral subluxation after stroke.

BACKGROUND

Glenohumeral subluxation is the most frequent complication in post stroke hemiplegia and its reduction has been considered an important goal. Though it has been demonstrated that cyclical electrical stimulation of posterior deltoid and supraspinatus muscles can reduce subluxation, the role of biceps has not been given due consideration.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrical stimulation to the long head of biceps could more effectively reduce gleno humeral subluxation.

METHODS

24 patients were selected and consecutively assigned to group 1 (electrical stimulation to supraspinatus & posterior deltoid) and group II (electrical stimulation to supraspinatus, posterior deltoid & long head of the biceps) along with routine physiotherapy and occupational therapy for a period of 5 weeks. All patients were assessed for shoulder subluxation, pain and shoulder active abduction range of motion at the time of recruitment to study and after 5 weeks of therapy.

RESULTS

Both the groups showed significant improvement in parameters measured. Tukey's post hoc analysis showed the results were more significant in Group II.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrical stimulation to biceps along with the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid can more effectively reduce shoulder subluxation.