NEUROMUSCULAR APPROACH TO THE MOTOR DEFICITS OF CEREBRAL-PALSY - A PILOT-STUDY

Six children with mild cerebral palsy (CP) entered a study of overnigh t low-intensity transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ES) to the leg muscles. After 6 months, statistically significant improvement was not ed on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales scores in gross motor, lo comotor, and receipt/propulsion skills. When ES was withdrawn for 6 mo nths, there was uniform loss in scores. Reinstitution of ES resulted i n further significant improvements in total gross motor, balance, loco motor, and receipt/propulsion skills. In selected cases, overnight ES may be a useful addition to standard rehabilitation services.