Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Spinal Cord Injury to Improve Activities of Daily Living
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Authors
Baker, Evonne
Jones, Samantha
McKenzie, Mia
Ross, Sara
Schumacher, Grace
Issue Date
2024-04
Volume
Issue
Type
Manuscript
Language
Keywords
Occupational Therapy , Spinal Cord Injury , Electrical Stimulation , Activities of Daily Living
Alternative Title
Abstract
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the US, around 302,000 people have experienced traumatic SCIs, with motor vehicle accidents being a leading cause (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2023). Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals with SCI may encounter posttraumatic complications, musculoskeletal problems, skin-related complications, bowel/bladder issues, and mental health concerns, which can make it more challenging to carry out basic tasks such as grooming, oral hygiene, eating/feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and sexual activities (Atchison & Dirette, 2023). Electrical stimulation has several benefits including strengthening or preventing disuse atrophy during or following immobilization or inactivity, maintaining or “improving range of motion (ROM), facilitating voluntary motor control, decreasing edema through muscle pumping action, decreasing spasticity and muscle spasm, facilitating sensory neural pathways, and acting as a substitute for orthotic devices (Bracciano, 2022).
AIM: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed at determining the effectiveness of electrical stimulation for adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) on improving activities of daily living (ADL) performance.
METHODS: Literature search analysis led to the inclusion of Level 2A and 2B studies regarding the prioritized aim. Studies were further analyzed to include literature within the last ten years which met the following criteria: adults with incomplete or complete spinal cord injury participating in a form of electrical stimulation to increase performance of activities of daily living. Seven studies that met the established standards were included.
RESULTS: Level 2A and 2B research completed on the use of electrical stimulation for SCI has revealed moderate evidence for the effectiveness of using electrical stimulation to improve ADL performance in clients with SCIs. Further research should include randomized control trials with larger sample sizes and systematic reviews to increase the strength of evidence for electrical stimulation and to determine [p-0[optimal parameters for increased client performance and outcomes.
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Publisher
Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University