Citation

Berger P. Acupunct. Med. 2019; ePub(ePub): 964528419844264.

Affiliation

Department of Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1177/0964528419844264

PMID

31032621

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and hemiplegia often involve alterations in cortical function are often widespread and may not be confined to the peri-infarct regions. Rehabilitation of these injuries may therefore require extensive and innovative physical modalities and exercise activities that enhance. Disuse in limbs can occur in any brain injury derived from different etiologies and advances in rehabilitation indicate that neuromuscular stimulation of both the nerve supply and muscle groups involved impacts plasticity and prepares the limbs for stronger muscle responses during functional activities. Combined therapies are apparently more productive than monotherapies and this may include electroacupuncture and functional electrical stimulation to expedite recovery. The combination of mixed physiotherapeutic interventions also encourages biokinetics, hydrotherapy and robotic rehabilitation over a prolonged period to enable the patient to achieve functional goals. Recovery may not be achieved within a period of 6 months post injury as has previously been accepted and may even require lifelong participation.

Language: en

Keywords

electroacupuncture; functional electrical stimulation; hemiplegia; nerve stimulation; traumatic brain injury