Affiliations: [a] University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA | [b] Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA | [c] Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston, TX, USA | [d] Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Glendaliz Bosques, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Chief of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, 7000 Fannin St. #1200, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel.: +1 713 797 5238; E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract: The use of therapeutic electrical stimulation for medical purposes is not
new; it has been described in medical textbooks since the 18th century,
but its use has been limited due to concerns for tolerance and lack of
research showing efficacy. The purpose of this review is to discuss the
potential clinical applicability, while clarifying the differences in
electrical stimulation (ES) treatments and the theory behind potential
benefits to remediate functional impairments in youth. The literature review was performed as follows: A total of 37 articles were
reviewed and the evidence for use in pediatric diagnoses is reported. The synthesis of the literature suggests that improvements in various
impairments may be possible with the integration of ES. Most studies were
completed on children with cerebral palsy (CP). Electrical stimulation may
improve muscle mass and strength, spasticity, passive range of motion
(PROM), upper extremity function, walking speed, and positioning of the foot
and ankle kinematics during walking. Sitting posture and static/dynamic
sitting balance may be improved with ES to trunk musculature. Bone mineral
density may be positively affected with the use of Functional Electrical
Stimulation (FES) ergometry. ES may also be useful in the management of
urinary tract dysfunction and chronic constipation. Among all reviewed
studies, reports of direct adverse reactions to electrical stimulation
were rare. In conclusion, NMES and FES appear to be safe and well tolerated in children
with various disabilities. It is suggested that physiatrists and other
healthcare providers better understand the indications and parameters in
order to utilize these tools effectively in the pediatric population.
MeSH terms: Electrical stimulation; child; review.
