Comprehensive Use of Dynamic Electrical Neurostimulation and Botulinum Toxin Therapy in Patients with Post-Stroke Spasticity.

BACKGROUND: Acute cerebrovascular accident poses a threat to the health of the nation. Dynamic electric neurostimulation decreases the excitability of the receptor apparatus, optimize microcirculatory processes, analgesic and antispasmodic effects. METHODS: This article discusses the rehabilitation of 96 men and women with post-stroke spasticity, mean age of 60.51 ± 4.9 years, in the early recovery period after ischemic stroke, randomized into 4 equal groups: Group 1 received botulinum toxin therapy in combination with dynamic electric neurostimulation and basic therapy, including massage and therapeutic exercises; Group 2 -botulinum toxin therapy and basic therapy; Group 3 - dynamic electric neurostimulation and basic therapy; Group 4 - basic therapy only. Study methods included the use of the Modified Asworth Scale to assess spasticity, the Rivemead Motor Assessment test, and goniometry to assess the range of joint movements. RESULTS: During a three-week observation, it was found that the inclusion of botulinum toxin therapy and dynamic electrical neurostimulation in the standard therapy of post-stroke spasticity in patients after ischemic stroke in the early recovery period contributed to patients' recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin therapy and dynamic electrical neurostimulation contributed to a more significant decrease in spasticity in the proximal and distal parts of the paretic upper extremity. It is also increased the amplitude of voluntary movements in the affected shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, compared to the separate use of botulinum toxin therapy and dynamic electric neurostimulation as part of basic rehabilitation.

The Efficacy of the Comprehensive Use of Naphthalan and Non-Selective Chromotherapy in the Treatment of Patients with Gonarthrosis.

In the last decade, a new direction of phototherapy - the non-selective chromotherapy (NSC) with Bioptron - has become widespread in clinical physiotherapy. The aim of the study was the scientific justification of the comprehensive treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of knee joints, including the combined use of refined naphthalan applications and irradiation with incoherent polarized Bioptron light. The article presents the results of the study which investigated the efficacy of the comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis of knee joints in patients using the combined exposure to naphthalan applications with irradiation using the non-selective Bioptron chromotherapy in the sanatorium. 64 patients aged 40-69 years with stage 1-3 knee osteoarthritis were examined and treated. It was shown that the combined use of naphthalan and non-selective chromotherapy in patients with gonarthrosis reduces pain, improves the functional state of the affected knee joints and improves the quality of life of patients in the absence of adverse effects. A comparative analysis of the study results showed that the efficacy of the combined use of naphthalan and non-selective chromotherapy is superior to the isolated effect of naphthalan.